Sirchie Silk Black Latent Fingerprint Powder 2 oz | 101L

Overview of the Sirchie Volcano Latent Print Powder | 101L

When you dust a scene and the print refuses to show, the problem is usually the powder. Sirchie's Silk Black Volcano Latent Print Powder (101L) has been the standard against which other oxide powders are measured for more than sixty years, and the reason is simple: it works.

Silk Black is a micro-milled oxide powder that clings faithfully to the minute ridge detail left by latent fingerprints, delivering crisp, high-contrast results on light-colored, non-porous surfaces. Forensic investigators, crime scene technicians, and law enforcement professionals keep coming back to 101L because the formulation has never needed a redesign.

Key advantages at a glance:

• Micro-milled particle size for maximum ridge definition
• Superior contrast on light-colored surfaces
• Proven on painted wood, metal, and most plastics
• Trusted formulation unchanged for over 60 years
• Packaged in a resealable 2 oz. (59 ml) dark glass jar

Whether you work a busy property crimes unit or process evidence in a forensic lab, 101L gives you a reliable starting point every time you open your kit.

Key Features

• Colorway: Silk Black, a deep matte oxide black that maximizes contrast against light-colored backgrounds
• Micro-Milled Formula: Particle size is precision-reduced to ensure the finest quality adhesion to ridge detail, reducing drag and distortion
• Composition: 75% carbon black, 25% Lycopodium (natural plant-based carrier) per official Safety Data Sheet
• Surface Compatibility: Performs on non-porous surfaces including painted wood, metal, and most plastic surfaces; best results on light-colored backgrounds
• Proven Longevity: Sirchie has maintained this exact formulation for more than 60 years, making it the most popular oxide latent powder in their lineup
• Container: Dark glass jar with screw-top lid, 2 oz. (59 ml) volume; keeps powder sealed and protected from contamination
• Safety: Classified as not hazardous under GHS US standards; odorless; use with dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses as recommended
• Storage: Keep container closed when not in use; avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
• Country of Origin: Made in the USA (Sirchie is headquartered in Youngsville, NC)
• Export Restriction: This product carries an export restriction per Sirchie; domestic sale only

Specifications

Compatibility

Sirchie Silk Black Volcano Latent Print Powder 101L is designed for non-porous, light-colored surfaces. It performs reliably on:

• Painted wood surfaces (doors, furniture, trim)
• Metal surfaces (appliances, firearms, vehicles, hardware)
• Most plastics (packaging, electronics housings, hard containers)

For best results, apply to clean, dry surfaces free of moisture or oil contamination beyond the latent deposit itself. Silk Black's dark pigment provides maximum contrast against white, cream, beige, and other pale backgrounds.

Not recommended for:

• Dark-colored surfaces, where Silk Black's contrast advantage is reversed (consider white or gray powder instead)
• Porous surfaces such as raw wood, cardboard, or fabric (chemical developers are more effective on porous substrates)
• Wet or heavily contaminated surfaces

This powder is not compatible with magnetic applicators; a standard latent print brush is required.

Intended Users

Sirchie Silk Black Powder 101L is built for professionals who need accurate, reproducible results in the field or in the lab.

Forensic investigators and crime scene technicians rely on 101L as an everyday go-to for latent print development on the most common non-porous evidence surfaces encountered at residential and commercial scenes.

Law enforcement officers who conduct their own field processing benefit from the powder's simplicity: open the jar, load the brush, dust, and lift. No mixing, no chemical handling.

Forensic laboratory professionals appreciate the consistent particle size and stable long-term formulation, which makes comparative work between submissions more predictable.

Security and investigations professionals in private practice, insurance investigation, or government work also find 101L useful whenever rapid latent print development is needed without laboratory infrastructure.

Students and instructors in forensic science programs use Silk Black as a training standard because its behavior closely mirrors professional expectations in real casework.

What's Included

• 1 x Sirchie Silk Black Volcano Latent Print Powder, 101L, 2 oz. (59 ml) dark glass jar with screw-top lid

Not included: Latent print brush, lifting tape, and backing cards must be sourced separately. Sirchie offers compatible hinge lifters (SKU 131LW, 131LT) and lifting tape (SKU 144L, 145L).

Recommended PPE (not included): Dust mask, safety glasses, and protective gloves when dusting in enclosed spaces.

Available at WCUniforms

WCUniforms is a specialty retailer focused on uniforms, tactical gear, and public safety equipment, serving law enforcement, forensic investigators, and first responders across the United States. Unlike general online marketplaces, we stock purpose-built investigative supplies from trusted manufacturers like Sirchie, so your order ships fast and you get exactly what you need. Shop with confidence at wcuniforms.com, where professionals find the gear and tools they trust.