Main uses: Latent fingerprints on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces.
 
The special powders mixtures are developed to improve the characteristics of concentrated or regular powders: 
- greasy features are reduced
- lumps are avoided
- prints show better contrast
- far fewer problems are encountered with excessive use of powder (e.g. smearing of prints)  
 
Consequently, the development of latent prints can be done much faster, with less risk and better results.

Swedish Black fingerprint powder is an excellent powder for use with a squirrel hair brush. It combines a good adhesion to the fingerprint with minimal adhesion to the background surface.

Silver Special is a mixture of an alumimium milled flake powder and an inert material. Very suitable for relatively clean and smooth non-porous surfaces such as glass, painted wood, steel furniture, hard plastic. Excellent contrast against dark surfaces and black gelatin lifters. This powder is suitable for most surfaces found at crime scenes that have to be processed for fingerprints.

Jet Black Special is a mixture of a special developed deep black dye and an inert material. Like the other special powders, this powder requires a relatively clean surface. Surfaces well suited to this powder are china, enameled domestic appliances, and coated papers including cardboard.

Gold Special provides better contrast against light-colored surfaces than Silver Special. However, it adheres more strongly on surfaces and is therefore less suitable for routine use. Prints powdered with it and then lifted with a Gellifter will gradually sink into the gelatin layer.

Very suitable for relatively clean and smooth non-porous surfaces such as glass, painted wood, steel furniture, hard plastic. The powder is similar to Silver Special but due to additives the powder is less reflective. Provides excellent contrast against dark surfaces and black gelatin lifters. This powder is suitable for most surfaces found at crime scenes that have to be processed for fingerprints.