Introduction

For footwear impressions or tire tracks in the snow, it is recommended that prior to casting, Snow Print Wax™ be sprayed into the impression. Snow Print Wax™ "holds" the details of the impression. Because the substance is waxy, it insulates the snow and prevents loss of footwear or tire track detail from the exothermic (heat producing) reaction of the hardening dental stone casting material.

Application

The application process is easy. Spray a few layers of Snow Print Wax™ in the impression, allowing each layer to dry for just a moment before adding another one.

Gently pour the prepared dental stone impression material onto the Snow Print Wax™ and allow it to harden. In the photographs, we are using a plastic bag to mix and pour the dental stone, so we can discard the bag when finished.

Perform the other procedures as you normally would, at this point. If you add sticks to improve structural integrity, do so. If you scratch in the date, case number and your initials, do so.

When the dental stone is cool and hard, carefully remove it from the impression in the snow. The Snow Print Wax™ will adhere to the hardened dental stone casting material. The red color makes photography of the details in the dental stone easier than a totally white cast.

Since Snow Print Wax™ is red, spraying several layers on the impression allows for the superior photographic recording of the details in color before casting. Also, it is a good warning sign to other persons at the crime scene, so they won't step on the impressions or drive their vehicles over the suspect tire tracks.

One can of Snow Print Wax™ should do 7-10 prints, depending on the size of the impression.

Ordering Information

Introduction

The goal of latent print examiners and technicians is to discover and collect latent prints by various means. The ultimate goal is to identify those latent prints to the person responsible for the criminal act and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Some of these means to develop latent prints include processing evidence and other surfaces using powders, chemicals and lighting techniques. The purpose of this booklet is to provide a resource of information about latent print processing techniques. This booklet does not contain every process available and does not claim to be all inclusive of all variations of processes. The information has been collected from various sources.

Caution

This booklet contains descriptions of processes utilizing chemicals or combinations of chemicals which may be hazardous to the user's health. It is strongly recommended that proper precautions be taken when using hazardous chemicals or combinations thereof. Safety equipment needed may include fume hoods, gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, splash shields or respirators. It may be necessary to store these chemicals in specific containers or cabinets. It is the user's responsibility to know and use the proper and adequate safety equipment required the various chemicals listed.

Disclaimer

Lightning Powder Company, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of any of the chemicals, procedures, methods of ideas described herein resulting in injury and/or damage to persons or property.
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