What is the commonly used percentage range of Silver Nitrate Solutions in fingerprint processing?

The commonly used percentage range of Silver Nitrate Solutions in fingerprint processing typically falls between 3% and 5%. This concentration is effective for developing fingerprints on porous surfaces, such as paper or cardboard, where traditional methods may not work as well.

Silver nitrate reacts with the organic components of latent fingerprints to form silver compounds, producing visible outlines of the prints. A solution within this range provides a balance between sufficient sensitivity to develop faint prints and minimizing any potential damage to the surface being examined. Higher concentrations may lead to overdevelopment, which can obscure fine ridge detail, while lower concentrations may not adequately visualize the prints. Thus, the 3% to 5% range is widely accepted in forensic practice for optimal results in latent fingerprint development.