Processing ZINK photo paper

[vrstyx]

Does anyone have any experience processing ZINK photo paper for latent prints? In reading about it, it sounds like the ink in the paper develops at different temperatures, so I'm guessing thermal processing methods are out, but I thought I would see if anyone had success with any other specific methods. Thank you.

[josher89]

I've never seen the stuff and just did a google search. It looks like it's film/paper for Polaroid cameras. I'd treat it as nonporous and CA/dye stain...RUVIS or FSIS first though?

[SConner]

I'd consider ordering some and experimenting.

[Ernie Hamm]

There was a technique for lifting latents from human skin by use of Kromekote (a cast coated photo paper) and then processing the suspected area with magna powder. Not sure if your surface is similar, but (after appropriate trials) the use of magna powder application may be acceptable technique in your case. For information on the reported procedure, you can review the following:

Skin Latents, J. Silva, Fingerprint Whorld 4:14 (1978)
The Spa Murders, A. Melis, Fingerprint Whorld 6:23 (1981)
Stone’s Recommendations and Caveats, A. Melis, Fingerprint Whorld 6:23 (1981)

A variation was the use of photo paper that has not been exposed, but processed through a development process can take the place of Kromekote as a lifting medium.

This is from the cobwebs of my mind which are getting thicker with the passing of the years.

[vrstyx]

In case anyone is curious of my results, here they are.
I obtained some ZINK paper to test on and here is what I found that worked best, based on my limited testing.
If possible, it was best to separate the paper into the photo side and the backing paper. The ZINK paper I had was intended to be used as a sticker as well, so the photo side peeled off and had an adhesive backing. The back processed normally as a porous surface (I used Indanedione-ZnCl and Ninhydrin). The photo side gave me a little more trouble, because it did react with heat. Indanedione-ZnCl and Ninhydrin gave either very faint or no ridges, so I found that superglue and black magnetic powder worked the best.
Hopefully this information is useful to someone in the future! Thank you to everyone who provided suggestions.

[josher89]

You should think about writing that up as a technical note and submitting to the JFI. Then you could post the images and give others an opportunity to see and try what you did and improve on it; if it can be improved upon!

[vrstyx]

Thanks, I'll consider it.