What happens to the quality of successive lifts when repeated lifting is performed?

The quality of successive lifts typically becomes progressively weaker due to several factors inherent in the lifting process. As latent prints are lifted from a surface, the medium (such as tape or lifters) may not completely capture all the detail present in the original print. Each subsequent lift is taken from what may be a less distinct or deteriorated representation of the original print, which can result in a loss of clarity and fidelity.

Additionally, the materials used in lifting can pick up residue or contaminants from the previous lift, further diminishing the quality of the next print. The pressure applied and the technique used may also affect how much of the print is actually transferred. As a result, the successive lifts take away important elements of the latent print, leading to poorer quality outcomes with each attempt.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of making the initial lift as precise and careful as possible to preserve the integrity of the print, as subsequent lifts often cannot replicate the quality and detail of the first.