What is a characteristic of prints deposited on soft substrates?

Prints deposited on soft substrates are prone to distortion due to the nature of the material. Soft substrates, like clay, wax, or certain fabrics, can compress or deform when pressure is applied. This means that the ridges and patterns of the fingerprint may not transfer clearly and accurately, leading to variations in size or shape that do not reflect the original print. Factors such as moisture, temperature, and the force applied during the deposition can further contribute to this distortion.

In contrast, prints deposited on harder surfaces tend to retain their details more faithfully, resulting in clearer outlines and less distortion. While it may be possible to create raised impressions or ink prints from soft substrates, the primary characteristic that defines the relationship between soft substrates and prints is their susceptibility to distortion.