Using cyanoacrylates (e.g., "Super Glue" found in various instant bonding glues to develop latent prints on objects has been quite successful over the past few years. Upon placing the evidence and the glue product in an enclosed tank, such as a small fish tank, the fumes from these liquid adhesives react with the residues in latent prints to product hard, white visible impressions. The resulting visible prints can be photographed and processed with powders or chemicals.

Fuming takes a few minutes, and caution should be used to observe the process periodically, as "overfuming" can occur. It is recommended that a black backing card with "test" latent prints be placed in the container with the evidence. When the prints become visible on the cards, remove the evidence from the chamber.

Hard Evidence™ liquid glue is frequently used with a heat source to accelerate the process. The liquid glue is placed in a small metal container or piece of aluminum foil and placed on the hot plate. The one-pound liquid glue comes with five empty one-ounce containers. It is easier to fill the smaller containers for use on a daily basis than to use the large bottle. The average shelf-life for unopened Hard Evidence™ Glue that is stored at room temperature is 6 months. Storing the bottle in a refrigerator may help to prolong its shelf life.

For more information, please view our Technical Note.