The Secret Tools of Livescan Techs: Ice, Lotion and Perfect Prints

Air of Mystery

As a certified Livescan Notary, your primary duty is to accurately verify the identity of an individual, and providing a clear, scannable fingerprint is often a non-negotiable step. The legal conundrum arises when a client presents with hands that make this impossible. Today we'll dive into some of PCB Notary Works secret tools and explore various techniques that help in the art of fingerprinting.

The Quandary: You are faced with a client whose prints are naturally too faint, dry, cracked, or excessively oily due to occupation, age, or medical conditions. The law demands a high-quality, readable print for identity verification and submission, yet the client physically cannot provide one. Do you proceed with a poor-quality print that will likely be rejected (wasting the client's time and money), or do you turn the client away (failing to complete your service)?

The difference between fulfilling your legal duty and creating a rejected record often rests on your ability to physically enhance the ridge detail before the scan. At PCB Notary Works, we have perfected these specialized techniques.

The Cold Cure: Enhancing Oily and Moist Prints with Ice

One of the most common challenges we face is subjects with excessively moist or oily hands. This condition (hyperhidrosis) causes the scanner to capture a dark, featureless blob rather than distinct lines. The solution is remarkably simple: ice.

How the Ice Trick Works

This technique relies on a temporary physiological response called vasoconstriction:

• Vessel Contraction: Cold applied to the fingertips causes the small blood vessels beneath the skin to contract.

• The Result: This temporary action reduces the output of sweat and oils while causing a slight tightening or firming of the skin tissue, making the ridges stand out more prominently against the furrows. The final scan will feature sharp, clear lines instead of a smudged mass.

  
  

📋 The PCB Notary Works Technique

1. Gently hold a small ice pack or cold object like a glass of ice cold water against the subject's fingertips for 10 to 20 seconds.

   Proceed to scan the prints immediately after removing the cold source. (note the hand should be dry prior to placing it onto the livescan device.

The Lotion Solution: Rehydrating Dry and Worn Prints

The opposite problem: dry, brittle, or "worn-out" friction skin that may requires a different approach. This is common among laborers, the elderly, or those exposed to drying chemicals. The solution favored by PCB Notary Works is the sensible application of a non-greasy, water-soluble product, specifically Corn Huskers Lotion or similar glycerin-based moisturizers.

How Corn Huskers Lotion Works

• Glycerin as a Humectant: The lotion contains glycerin, which attracts and locks in moisture, effectively "plumping" up the shrunken, dry ridges. This makes them physically thicker and higher, improving contact with the scanner.

• Enhanced Optical Coupling: By adding a minute amount of moisture, the lotion enhances the contact between the skin and the livescan glass, leading to a darker, more complete impression.

  
  

📋 The PCB Notary Works Technique

1. Apply a tiny, pea-sized amount of lotion to the subject's fingertips.

2. Have the subject rub the lotion into their hands until it is completely absorbed and feels slightly tacky, but not wet.

   
   

Alternative and Supplementary Techniques

Technicians must also be prepared with readily available, simple alternatives, especially for managing immediate symptoms like anxiety-induced sweating.

1. The Paper Bag Trick (For Excessive Moisture)

If ice is not immediately available, a clean, brown paper bag acts as a highly effective absorbent.

• The Technique: Instruct the subject to gently but firmly rub their fingertips on the paper bag for a few seconds immediately before scanning to remove excess oils and perspiration without leaving lint.

  
  

2. Breathing and Relaxation (For Nervous Sweating)

Nervousness can trigger a sudden burst of perspiration. Calming the subject can be a quick and effective pre-scan technique.

• The Technique: Instruct the subject to take three slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth.

  
  

Beyond Skin Prep: Scanner Care and Technician Skill

Success isn't only about treating the subject's fingers; it requires adherence to two fundamental best practices under the technician's control:

Rigorous Scanner Cleaning

The livescan plate must be cleaned frequently and correctly with a manufacturer-approved solution to prevent oil and residue buildup, which causes smudges and voids. A clean, streak-free surface is the absolute baseline.

Mastering Pressure and Technique

The ideal pressure is just enough to ensure the entire ridge surface makes contact with the glass without flattening the ridges into a thick, undistinguishable blob.

• Rolled Prints: Ensure a smooth, even grip and a "nail-to-nail" roll.

• Flat Prints: Apply firm, even contact without sliding or lifting.

  
  

Making Difficult Prints Look Easy

The technicians at PCB Notary Works rely on a systematic approach that combines the science of Ice and Corn Huskers Lotion with the fundamentals of meticulous cleaning and masterful pressure control. By focusing on enhancing the friction skin before scanning, we drastically reduce rejection rates, solve the notary's conundrum, and provide reliable, quality service every time.

Need Reliable, Expert Livescan Services?

Don't let faint or difficult prints hold up your vital background checks or applications.

Trust the experts at PCB Notary Works who employ these proven techniques daily. We guarantee a professional, efficient, and successful livescan experience.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference true expertise makes!