What type of fingerprints does superglue development primarily enhance?

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Superglue development, also known as cyanoacrylate fuming, primarily enhances older prints. This is because the cyanoacrylate vapors bond with the amino acids and other components present in the residues left by fingerprints, which can often be better visualized on older prints that have dried and matured.

Fresh prints contain more moisture and surface oils; thus, they may not respond as effectively to superglue fuming. This method is often used on fingerprints that have been deposited on non-porous surfaces, such as plastic, glass, or metal, where the residual moisture is minimal, allowing the criminals' prints to be more effectively highlighted after some time has elapsed.

While it may seem that superglue development could enhance different types of prints, it is particularly effective for older ones due to the specific conditions and chemical interactions that occur.

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