LP Processing

A common form of physical processing is the conventional powder dusting procedure, which is used to enhance latent fingerprints on non-porous items of evidence. Three conventional powder colors - black, gray or white - are used to lift latent prints. A color is chosen based on the contrast of the background of the item's surface.

	A fine coating of powder is dusted on the evidence with a feather brush. The powder sticks to the moisture in the latent print and the print becomes visible.
Clear adhesive tape is used to "lift" the print from the evidence.
	The tape with the lifted print is placed on a white card and then can be used for comparison purposes.