Magnetic latent print powders are similar in appearance to standard powders, but they contain iron so that they will adhere to a magnet. When a magnetic powder applicator is dipped into the jar of magnetic powder, the powder gathers around the magnetic end of the applicator and it becomes a "brush."

When dusting is complete, hold the applicator over the jar, and a short pull on the top end will lift the magnet, allowing the powder to drop back into the jar. For this reason, very little powder is wasted. The new wide-mouth jar of magnetic powder will accept the large ball of powder held on the tip of the magnetic applicator.

Magnetic powder is recommended for use in dusting glossy papers (such as magazine covers), tissue paper, rough or polished wood, leather, plastics, glass, and rubber. It works exceptionally well on plastic baggies after they have been treated with glue fumes. Silver/gray powder is recommended for use on all glass, metallic, highly-varnished surfaces, hard rubber, safes, blue-steel guns or dark-colored surfaces. Many technicians prefer silver/gray powder due to its high sensitivity for developing latent prints on so many different surfaces. It is necessary to place a lift of a latent print developed with silver/gray powder on a black backing card. Silver/gray powder is available in wide-mouth jars (30 cc in 90 cc jars and 480 cc in 480 cc jars).