This document provides information about various chemical processes used to develop latent fingerprints on different surfaces. It discusses cyanoacrylate (super glue) fuming which can develop prints on firearms and certain plastics. The atmospheric super glue method and using glue fumes in a sealed container is described. Silver nitrate is noted as a safe process for developing prints on porous surfaces like paper. Other techniques mentioned include eosin for white paper and ninhydrin for amino acids in sweat. Contributors to the document and resources are also listed.

1. Team A ContributersTimothy Babcock
Melissa Davis
Will Buckner
Lorraine Styler
Chasity Cowan
Leeroy B. Strack
James Brown

2. Sometimes Chemicals
are needed in the
developing of latent
prints.
Three Categories ExistPorous Surfaces
Non-Porous Surfaces
Special Application
Processes

3. Cyanoacrylate-(Super Glue)
Polymerization takes place when the glue vapors attach to friction ridge residue
As these harden they build up leaving greater detail in the print being developed.
Some examples of evidence that are super glue fumed are, Firearms, certain plastics,
Paper.

4. Atmpospheric Super Glue MethodCoffee Can Fuming- Place ten to twelve drops of glue into
The can, exhale into the can and then seal the can with its lid.
Allow 30 minutes for the fuming process to complete.
-Will Buckner
Resource info- http://www.crimeandclues.com/index.php/
Forensic-science-a-csi/fingerprints/12-atmospheric-superglue-method
The super glue method must be executed in gaseous form, the glue
In it’s liquid form must reach a boiling temperature of 100 to 150 degrees.
The glue then begins to vaporize and these vapors begin to attach to items
It comes in contact with.
-Lorraine Styler
Resource info- www.ccs.edu/home/forensic/cyanoacrylate
Article Author; Brown, W. Eric

5. Silver Nitrate Method
-James Brown
This method is best on porous objects, and is most effective
On paper. Silver nitrate is a safe process because of it’s low
Toxicity. Silver nitrate can be applied to paper by spraying,
dipping, or brushing. Silver nitrate processes are fairly easy
And the results are fast.
Resource info;
(2004. Leo,. “Fingerprint Identification” )
(2012. Penven, D. “Chemical Development of Latent Prints.)

6. Super Glue Fuming a
Doorknob
Placing a gallon plastic bag
over the doorknob with
enclosed cotton balls and
super glue is a method used
to collect finger prints from
doorknobs.
-Timothy Babcock
Resource info;
(2010. Kallor, Mark. “Evidence Technology Magazine, Super Glue Fuming
Doorknobs.
http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=
View&id=226

7. Other Chemicals and Reagents
Eosin Technique is used to develop prints with a pink appearance on
White non-colored paper. In this process iodine attaches to calcium in
Sweat. Latent prints that are a few weeks to months old can be
Developed using this process. –Melissa Davis
Ninhydrin is a chemical that reacts to amino acids in sweat and can
be sprayed, or brushed on an object. Moist heat is applied by using a
steam iron or humidity chamber –Chasity Cowen
Resources(2004. Leo, W. “Fingerprint Identification.)
(2002. Ahmad, Umi K, Musa Afizah. Super Glue Fuming for the Chemical
Enhancement of Latent Fingerprints.)