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How to Dust for Fingerprints

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Uploaded by on Jun 24, 2009

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from gigafide and more videos in the Science & Technology Projects category.

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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.

To complete this How-To you will need:

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

Step 1: Fill balloon halfway with water

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

Step 2: Hold balloon over candle

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 balloon's surface.

Step 3: Collect the soot from the balloon

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

Step 4: Brush the soot onto the fingerprint

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.

Step 5: Identify a fingerprint

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.

Step 6: Collect the fingerprint

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!

Thanks for watching How To Dust For Fingerprints! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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Top Comments

  • that would be funny if you found out it was your fingerprint lol

  • or if u have no balloons take a pencil and and a nail filer and rub them together then take a brush and do the rest

see all

All Comments (135)

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  • or just use cocoa powder and dust it on

  • What if the surface was black?

  • 0:10 Thumbs 4 Tinkernut guy

  • Talkum Powder works better ;)

  • @ThisIsMikesLife Profit!

  • step 1. organize a meeting with every one in the house

    step 2. Pull out a gun and force someone to admit they took the cookie.

    step 3. blow brains out.

  • @cootje4 welcome glad it worked

  • @toplies i tried this and it really works well thanks :)

  • i tried it but it didn't work

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