Q&A for How to Dust for Fingerprints

You can use baby powder or any fine power like flour.

Take prints of your suspects and compare them to the prints you lifted from the scene of the crime.

Yes.

You can, but the powder sometimes isn't as fine as it needs to be in order to show the print well.

You cannot use any of these methods for paper or any other absorbent material. To dust on paper, you need actual magnetic fingerprint powder and the proper applicator brush. Please note that iron shavings will not work.

No, sand is too coarse. Try using baby powder, cocoa powder, flour or finely-ground chalk.

Yes, but it should be ground extremely fine. Hand-crushed chalk most probably will not be fine enough to stick properly onto the fingerprint after dusting off.

It depends on the color of the doorknob, but any color will work. If you have both colors, use the one with the most contrast.

Yes, sifting it it get rids of clumps and it will become finer.

No, gloves obscure fingerprints.

It depends on how much of the fingerprint comes off. By pushing hard, they most likely will be, but by doing it softly, most of the fingerprint stays. For best results, gather the whole fingerprint.

You have to have the fingerprint already to compare them.

You have to already have your suspect's finger print(s). Then identify and compare.

You have a chance of obtaining a proper fingerprint, provided that the medical gloves are not the type with talcum on the inner side of the glove. While turning it inside out, make sure not to contaminate it with your own fingerprints or smear the print. Remember that the gloves are flexible and you should be very careful not to over-flex it for proper results.

Paintbrushes tend to have stiff bristles and may not work well for this. If you have a very soft paintbrush, that could work. Otherwise, a makeup brush is best.

You can use the same procedure, but be careful, because you don't want your prints on the tape.

You would either need to use a scanner to scan the print to your computer, or you could take a picture of the print and upload it to your computer.

Yes, as long as the person didn't smear the prints from swiping on the screen.

Probably not, because the powder might not get on the wall as easily on a flat surface like a table.

Use the same technique just make sure to lift it, then get all the dust off afterwards.

You can use crushed coal, but it will need to be sifted through, not hand crushed.

Possibly. Apple has a fingerprint unlock system on the iPhone 6, 6S, 7, and 7+. If you have one of those phones, you're good.

No. Eye shadow has a soft, squishy consistency, which will smear when you dust for prints.

Yes, if there is a print, the dust will immediately reveal it.

The same procedure should work. Use a fluorescent powder or powder with the most contrast. Try to place it on a flat surface.

You can use cocoa powder, flour, baby powder, or even sugar. Other powders might not work as well, but you can try them.

Yes.

No, they won't.

Cocoa powder is dark brown. It will probably not work on a dark-colored surface.

Yes, but if the floor is dark brown, you'll need baby powder. Animal paws are still unique too!