Types of Fingerprints

There are three main types of fingerprints: visible prints, latent prints, and impressed prints

 Direct Prints

Also called visible prints and patent prints, direct prints are left in substances such blood or any other substance that could hold the shape. They can be created when oils on the finger come into contact with a smooth surface and leave a friction ridge impression that is visible without any altering. Usually the prints are photographed because they are already visible enough without alterations. 



Example of dircet fingerprint, a fingerprint left in blood



Latent Prints

These prints are not visible to the naked eye; they are formed when sweat sebaceous glands on the body or water, salt, or oils in the sweat. They create prints the must be developed before they can be seen or photographed. They then can be made visible by dusting, fuming or chemical reagents.

A way of revealing latent fingerprint is dusting for them

Plastic Prints

Also called impressed prints, plastic prints are indentations left in soft pliable surfaces, such as clay, wax, paint or other surfaces that can take an impression. They can  be viewed or photographed without development.

An example of a plastic fingerprint; its left on a soft foam and the print can be seen