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Collecting the difficult fingerprint

Many times a fingerprint will be left on a surface which is porous, fragile, textured or contoured making them very difficult to develope or collect.  Since the early 80’s we at NCIT began using a series of products intended for “toolmark casting” to the collection of fingerprints after  they have been rendered visible with conventional or magentic powders.  Products such as Mikrosil, a synthetic two-part catalyst activated material are easy to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase.  Prior to mixing and use, the product will last a year or so if stored at “comfortable temperatures”... avoid heat and extreme cold.  After mixing and correct application to the developed fingerprint, the cast will last indefinitely and preserve superb detail of the print!

Instructions for use follow below.

First step: Use powder to develop the print on a contoured or textured surface like this door handle.  THEN use Mikrosil to lift the print

Place equal lengths of catalyst and bulk material onto a fingerprint card.

Stir  thoroughly with a stick or finger to insure a well blended mix.

Gently roll the material over the developed print and wait for it to “harden” (3-5 minutes)

The final product is “reversed” or mirrored but retains all of the details captured by the fingerprint powder.  This print is very durable and also keeps the shape of the original surface.