What type of fingerprint impression is created by pressing into soft material?

The type of fingerprint impression created by pressing into soft material is classified as a plastic fingerprint. This occurs when a finger makes contact with a pliable surface, such as wax, clay, or fresh paint, leaving an impression that retains the details of the ridge patterns. Plastic prints are three-dimensional, meaning they provide a depth that can capture intricate features of the fingerprint, making them particularly valuable in forensic analysis.

In contrast, latent fingerprints are not visible and require enhancement techniques to be seen and collected; they are formed when oils and sweat from the skin are transferred onto a surface. Visible fingerprints are those that are left on a surface where the fingerprint material (such as ink or blood) is already evident, so they differ from plastic prints, which are impressions made in soft materials. The option of patented fingerprints is often confused with visible prints but is not a standard term used in forensic science for any kind of fingerprint impression.