Fingerprints can this pass through them. They can also be turned inside out to yield fingerprints from the inside surfaces. Leather gloves can be treated in the same manner. Cloth gloves and mittens can also leave a distinctive print that can be traced back to the mitten that made it. Prints can be taken from virtually all surfaces.
Powder is dusted over the prints.
Particles stick to the print and can then be lifted off with tape. Powders are quick and cheap, but messy and get in the way of other evidence. They can only be used on firm smooth surfaces. Can't be used on metal, and fades fairly quickly. Also only picks up recent prints.