Collecting fingerprints
Ever wondered how to collect fingerprints? It’s easier than you think. All you need is
- a sheet of paper
- a plastic-covered book
- talcum powder
- a lead pencil
- a pencil sharpener.
Professionals use activated carbon to identify fingerprints, but you can use lead powder from a sharpened pencil or even talcum powder.
1. Make a fingerprint by pressing a slightly moist finger on a piece of paper or plastic-covered book.
2. Next, collect the particles of lead from a sharpened pencil.
3. If you’re using a piece of paper with a white or transparent surface, sprinkle some of the sharpened pencil’s lead powder over the surface. If the surface is dark, sprinkle talcum powder over it.
4. Carefully lift the paper or book and gently shake off the excess lead or powder to display the fingerprint.
You could try using small amounts of talcum powder or the sharpened pencil's lead powder on different objects, like a drinking glass or plastic mug and see how successful you are.
