How to Dust for Fingerprints

Ever wanted to find out who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Take a page from crime scene investigators and get the proof you need.

You Will Need

• A small or medium-size balloon
• A lit candle
• A powder makeup brush
• Clear tape

Fill the balloon halfway with water from the tap. Remove from the faucet and fill the other half with air. Tie it off.

Light a candle. Hold the balloon at the knot end and dangle it above the flame, so the tip of the flame touches it. After 15 to 30 seconds, the smoke from the candle will collect as soot on the balloons surface.

Using the brush, collect some of the carbon soot from the balloon.

Brush the area you want to search for fingerprints, coating it lightly with soot. If you need more soot, hold the balloon over the flame again until you get enough soot to dust with.

Tip:
The smoother the surface, the better the fingerprinting results will be.

Look for the patterns and swirls that identify a fingerprint. The oils in the print will make more of the carbon stick than the areas directly around it.

Once you’ve located a print and it’s covered in soot, place a piece of clear tape over it. When you remove the tape, the fingerprint will be stuck to it!