How to Take Perfect Fingerprints: A Step-by-Step Expert Guide

How to Take Perfect Fingerprints: A Step-by-Step Expert Guide

Did you know that over 20% of fingerprint submissions get rejected because of poor quality? Fingerprinting seems straightforward until your prints are deemed unusable, requiring you to start all over again.

Whether you’re getting fingerprinted for a background check, employment verification, or legal documentation, the quality of those impressions matters significantly. Poor fingerprints cause unnecessary delays, additional expenses, and potential complications in important processes.

Surprisingly, most rejected prints aren’t due to inherent physical limitations but rather improper technique and preparation. Even fingerprinting professionals can struggle with capturing clear, usable prints if they don’t follow specific protocols.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of taking perfect fingerprints. From preparing your hands properly to executing the rolling technique correctly, you’ll learn expert methods that ensure your fingerprints get accepted the first time. Let’s dive into the essential practices that make fingerprinting successful.

Why Fingerprint Quality Matters

Fingerprint quality serves as the foundation of identification systems worldwide. When fingerprints fail to meet quality standards, the consequences extend far beyond simple inconvenience.

Delays caused by rejected prints

The FBI and other agencies frequently reject fingerprints that don’t meet their stringent quality requirements. Approximately 2% (about 400 per year) of all fingerprints received in the Criminal Background Check Program are rejected ¹. This seemingly small percentage creates significant ripple effects throughout the identification system.

When the FBI rejects your fingerprints, you must restart the entire process with a new submission. This rejection essentially doubles the processing time for your background check ¹. The initial review process typically takes up to three weeks, after which you’ll receive notification if your prints were rejected ¹. Once you submit your second set of fingerprints, the clock resets completely.

Furthermore, if your second submission also fails, agencies must resort to a Name and Date of Birth search, which can take as long as 6 weeks to complete ¹. This creates a cascading effect where a simple fingerprinting procedure extends into a months-long process.

Common reasons for rejection include:

• Smudged or incomplete prints
• Prints that are too dark or too light
• Poor image quality from dry hands
• Improper collection technique
• Partial fingerprint capture ²

Impact on background checks and legal processes

Poor fingerprint quality directly affects critical life events and professional opportunities. For instance, nursing candidates have reported passing their licensing exams yet being unable to practice as registered nurses while waiting for acceptable fingerprints to process ³. This creates financial hardship as these professionals remain in lower-paying positions during the extended waiting period.

Employment background checks represent just one area affected by fingerprint quality issues. Additionally, fingerprint rejections impact:

• Visa and immigration processing, potentially causing applicants to miss program start dates ³
• Security clearance approvals for government positions ⁴
• Professional licensure across regulated industries ³
• Criminal investigations and case processing ⁵

The forensic impact extends even further. According to the FBI, their Next Generation Identification system is the largest biometric database of criminals globally, with clear fingerprints forming its foundation ⁶. Consequently, poor fingerprints can compromise this system’s effectiveness. When fingerprint quality is substandard in automated fingerprint identification systems, it creates potential missed identifications, increases secondary workload processes, and requires additional fingerprint examiner involvement ⁷.

Moreover, in criminal investigations where latent prints are collected from crime scenes, print quality directly influences case outcomes. Low-quality prints may be deemed “unsuitable for comparison” or lead to inconclusive results ⁶. This affects not only investigators but also families awaiting justice and communities concerned about public safety ⁵.

As a result, understanding proper fingerprinting techniques isn’t merely about convenience—it’s essential for maintaining the integrity of identification systems that underpin numerous legal and professional processes.

Prepare Your Hands Before Printing

Proper hand preparation plays a crucial role in obtaining clear, usable fingerprints. Before you even sit down at the fingerprinting station, what you do with your hands in the days leading up to your appointment directly impacts the quality of your prints.

Avoid harsh chemicals and hand-intensive activities

The ridges on your fingertips tell a unique story—one that can become illegible through certain daily activities. Several circumstances increase the chances of fingerprint rejection:

• Frequent hand washing or disinfecting
• Activities that wear down fingertips such as weightlifting, rock climbing, gardening, or playing guitar
• Regular paper handling or typing
• Exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, acetone, or antibacterial products

To protect your fingerprints before an important appointment, modify your routine at least several days in advance. Wear protective gloves when cleaning or working with harsh chemicals. Kitchen gloves provide an effective barrier against dish soap, cleaning products, and especially bleach, which can significantly degrade print quality.

Similarly, use protective gloves for any yardwork to shield hands from dirt, concrete, and other abrasive materials that dry and damage skin. Plan strategically by scheduling your fingerprinting following 3-4 days during which you can avoid these ridge-damaging activities.

Moisturize regularly (but not on the day of printing)

Hydration forms the cornerstone of quality fingerprinting. Begin moisturizing your hands multiple times daily for at least 2-3 days before your appointment. Apply lotion particularly after washing or drying your hands to maintain natural oils and prevent ridge deterioration.

For individuals with exceptionally dry hands, experts recommend overnight treatment. Apply heavy-duty moisturizer before bed and wear inexpensive gloves or mittens to keep the product on your skin overnight. Depending on your skin’s needs, consider:

• Petroleum jelly
• Bag Balm
• Aquaphor
• Simple olive oil or coconut oil (especially helpful for those with allergies)

Nonetheless, despite the importance of moisturizing before your appointment, avoid using lotion on the actual day of fingerprinting or within a few hours of your scheduled time. This creates a balance between well-hydrated skin and the clean, residue-free surface needed for clear impressions.

Keep hands clean and dry

On the day of fingerprinting, maintaining the right moisture balance becomes essential. Stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially in the 24 hours before your appointment, as internal hydration affects skin quality.

Arrive with clean hands free of dirt, debris, or residue that might interfere with image quality. Although soap and water are preferred for cleaning, rubbing alcohol may be substituted if necessary.

Interestingly, different conditions require different approaches:

• For excessively moist fingers, wiping with alcohol can help reduce oils and improve print quality
• For unusually dry or flaky hands, technicians often apply a specialized ridge builder lotion that temporarily raises fingerprint ridges to provide clearer prints

Furthermore, avoid activities like swimming or extensive dishwashing on your appointment day, as hands that have been immersed in water tend to swell and may produce substandard prints.

Remember that fingerprint quality can improve significantly in as little as a week with minimal lifestyle changes, although regeneration of skin does take time. Through proper hand preparation, you dramatically increase your chances of successful first-time fingerprinting.

Choose the Right Equipment and Setup

Selecting the appropriate fingerprinting equipment dramatically impacts the quality of your results. Even with properly prepared hands, the wrong tools can lead to rejected prints and frustrating delays.

LiveScan vs ink and paper

Historically, fingerprinting relied exclusively on ink-and-roll techniques using paper cards. This method, though reliable when executed correctly, often resulted in smudging and lengthy processing times. According to FBI Congressional testimony, ink card processing could take weeks or even months to complete ⁶.

In contrast, LiveScan technology has revolutionized the fingerprinting process:

• Electronic submission reduces processing times significantly, with digital submissions often returning results within approximately two hours ⁸
• Rejection rates drop from 7-10% with traditional ink methods to below 0.5% with LiveScan technology ⁸
• Digital capture eliminates smudging, smearing, and issues with over/under-inking ⁹
• Electronic recordkeeping reduces administrative burden ⁸

Nevertheless, ink fingerprinting remains relevant in specific situations. Federal agencies like the FBI may still require ink fingerprinting for certain security clearances ¹⁰. Traditional methods also provide tangible hard copies and remain effective when LiveScan equipment is unavailable.

Recommended table height and lighting

The Federal Bureau of Investigation specifically recommends positioning fingerprinting equipment at approximately 39 inches from the floor ⁶. This optimal height ensures the forearm of an average adult remains parallel with the floor during the fingerprinting process ¹¹. This positioning is crucial as it:

1. Minimizes distortion during fingerprint capture
2. Reduces operator fatigue during multiple fingerprinting sessions
3. Provides maximum control when rolling fingers

Proper lighting constitutes another critical yet overlooked aspect of fingerprinting setup. Sufficient illumination helps operators identify the pattern area accurately and ensures even ink distribution. Too much direct light, however, can create glare on LiveScan glass plates or make it difficult to see ink coverage.

Use of fingerprint pads and rollers

Three primary methods exist for taking fingerprints with ink:

1. Pre-inked pads: Products like PrintMatic™ Impeccable Ceramic and Flawless Pads contain microporous membranes with 7-10 micron pore sizes that deliver just the right amount of ink through capillary action ⁷. These pads require less pressure when rolling fingers, subsequently producing less distortion in the final prints.
2. Pre-inked rollers: The PrintMatic™ pre-inked roller combines the advantages of ink pads with traditional rolling methods ¹². These rollers contain built-in ink reservoirs, making them ideal for operators seeking cleaner, sharper prints with minimal preparation.
3. Ink slab and roller method: Though requiring more skill than other approaches, this traditional technique typically produces prints with exceptional clarity and contrast ⁷. The method involves rolling ink onto a slab, then transferring it to the finger before pressing onto the card.

For optimal results, consider investing in a fingerprint card holder to keep cards firmly positioned during printing ¹¹. High-quality fingerprinting ink should be quick-drying on cards but remain workable on slabs or pads ¹³. Quality rollers typically feature medium-soft composition ensuring even ink distribution without damage from repeated cleaning ¹³.

Ultimately, your equipment selection should balance availability, accuracy requirements, and the specific needs of the receiving agency.

Step-by-Step Fingerprinting Process

The actual fingerprinting technique remains the cornerstone of obtaining clear, usable prints. Following a systematic approach ensures consistency and quality throughout the process.

Start with the right hand

Always begin with the right hand to avoid potential smearing ⁷. Position yourself properly—the subject should stand to your right and slightly behind you ⁷. This setup allows natural arm movement throughout the process.

Grasp the subject’s right hand at the base of the thumb with your right hand ⁶. Cup your hand over their fingers, tucking under those fingers not being printed at that time ¹¹. Initially focus on the thumb:

1. Hold the base of the thumb firmly
2. Extend the thumb away from the body
3. Keep other fingers tucked away to prevent accidental smudging ¹⁴

Roll each finger from nail to nail

Proper rolling technique involves capturing the entire fingerprint pattern from one side of the nail to the other ⁴. For optimal results, follow the “uncomfortable to comfortable” principle ¹⁴:

• Roll thumbs toward the body (from outer edge inward)
• Roll fingers away from the body (from inner edge outward)

This directional approach takes advantage of the natural movement of the forearm ⁶. Once inked, roll each finger completely from side to side in one continuous motion ¹⁴. Each finger should be inked and rolled individually rather than inking all fingers first ⁷.

Apply consistent pressure

The weight of the finger itself typically provides sufficient pressure for clear fingerprints ⁶. Excessive pressure causes smudging, whereas too little pressure results in incomplete prints ⁴.

Throughout the rolling process, maintain even pressure and a steady pace ³. Changing speed or pressure during rolling frequently causes smudges or distortion ³. Ideally, roll each finger just once in a smooth, continuous motion without changing direction ⁴.

Record plain impressions last

After capturing all rolled impressions, proceed to take the plain (slap) impressions ⁷. These impressions serve as verification for the accuracy of the rolled prints ¹⁵. Unlike rolled prints, plain impressions involve pressing fingers directly down on the card without rolling ¹⁴.

For plain impressions:

• Press the left thumb straight down in its designated box
• Place all four fingers of the left hand simultaneously at a 45-degree angle
• Repeat with the right thumb and right-hand fingers ¹⁵

The plain impressions provide a verification mechanism, ensuring the rolled impressions accurately represent each finger ¹⁵. This verification step remains crucial for maintaining the integrity of the fingerprinting process.

Handling Special Cases and Common Issues

Even with proper technique, fingerprinting professionals occasionally face challenging situations that require special handling. Indeed, certain physical conditions demand specific approaches to ensure acceptable prints.

Worn or scarred fingerprints

Occupations, age, and daily activities frequently result in worn fingerprint ridges that prove difficult to capture. For individuals with thin or worn ridges, technicians should apply significantly lighter pressure and use minimal ink during the capture process. The “milking the finger” technique—applying gentle pressure while rubbing downward from palm to fingertip—effectively raises fingerprint ridges temporarily before capturing the print.

Scarred fingers generally require no special notation but should be recorded in both rolled and plain impression blocks without additional comments. For extremely dry skin causing poor quality prints, wiping fingers with water or applying oil-free lotion like Corn Huskers prior to printing often resolves the issue.

Amputated or deformed fingers

Physical abnormalities require specific documentation procedures. In cases where the first joint of a finger is completely missing (fully amputated), document this with appropriate notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., “amp,” “missing at birth,” “severed”). Conversely, tip-amputated fingers—where a portion of the first joint remains—should be printed normally, capturing whatever ridge pattern remains.

For deformed fingers, attempt to record prints in both rolled and plain impression blocks whenever possible. Fingerprinting professionals sometimes utilize a “postmortem kit” (commonly called a “spoon”) to assist in capturing these difficult prints.

Using retabs and reprints

ReTabs® provide an effective solution for correcting unacceptable fingerprints without starting over. These pressure-sensitive correcting labels allow technicians to replace individual problematic prints on a fingerprint card. First, roll a new print on the ReTabs label, then affix it over the unacceptable print on the card.

Remember that most agencies, including the FBI, limit the number of ReTabs to two per fingerprint card. Exceeding this limit typically results in rejection, necessitating a complete reprint.

Conclusion

Taking perfect fingerprints requires attention to detail and proper technique throughout the entire process. Certainly, the quality of fingerprints directly impacts crucial background checks, employment verifications, and legal proceedings. Rejected prints cause significant delays that can stretch from weeks to months, affecting professional opportunities and legal outcomes.

Before your fingerprinting appointment, prepare your hands properly by avoiding harsh chemicals and hand-intensive activities. Additionally, establish a moisturizing routine several days beforehand, but avoid applying lotion on the actual day of printing. The right equipment setup also plays a crucial role—whether using LiveScan technology with its lower rejection rates or traditional ink methods that still serve specific purposes.

The fingerprinting technique itself follows a systematic approach that begins with the right hand and proceeds through careful rolling motions from nail to nail. Consistent pressure remains essential throughout this process, as does proper documentation of plain impressions for verification purposes.

Special cases such as worn fingerprints, scars, amputations, or deformities might require modified techniques, yet solutions exist for nearly every challenge. ReTabs provide effective corrections for problematic prints without necessitating complete reprints.

Remember, fingerprinting might seem straightforward until problems arise. Therefore, following these expert guidelines dramatically increases your chances of capturing clear, usable fingerprints on the first attempt. The difference between accepted and rejected prints often comes down to small details—proper preparation, correct technique, and appropriate equipment. These factors together ensure your fingerprints serve their intended purpose without unnecessary complications or delays.