What type of print is created when a fingerprint is deposited in a material like wax or soap?

The type of print created when a fingerprint is deposited in a material such as wax or soap is known as a plastic print. This type of print is characterized by its three-dimensional nature; it occurs when a finger makes an impression into a soft or malleable substance, capturing the unique ridges and patterns of the fingerprint in relief.

Plastic prints can be left in various materials besides wax or soap, including substances like clay or putty, where the impression retains the detailed features of the fingerprint. This is distinct from latent prints, which are typically invisible to the naked eye and require special techniques to be revealed, and patent prints, which are visible and formed when a finger coated with a substance such as ink or blood touches a surface. Understanding these nuances is critical for effective crime scene investigation and evidence collection.