How to Collect Samples of Fingerprints

If you've always fancied yourself as a bit of an amateur sleuth, or are just looking for an educational activity to pass an hour or two with your kids during the school holidays, you could do a lot worse than collecting fingerprints from around your home. All you need is a few basic pieces of equipment that you could well already have in your kitchen cabinet -- and a keen eye.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • Spoon
  • Talcum powder
  • Cocoa powder
  • Make-up brush
  • Clear sticky tape
  • Black or white paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look around your room using a magnifying glass to search for fingerprints. If you're having trouble finding any, look for items that people frequently handle with their fingers like empty drink glasses or desk space near a computer.

    • 2

      Take a spoonful of talcum powder and sprinkle it over the fingerprint you've found if it's on a dark surface.

      If the fingerprint is on a light surface, use dark cocoa powder.

    • 3

      Brush the powder off the area you've dusted slowly and gently. You should be able to see the outline of the fingerprint more clearly.

    • 4

      Place a strip of clear sticky tape over your dusted print, push down firmly and then gently peel it away.

    • 5

      Place the clear sticky tape on a piece of black paper, if you've dusted with talcum powder -- or white paper, if your've used cocoa.

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