Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing prints, such as fingerprints, for direct comparison. The method utilizes a transparent pressure-sensitive gel to capture a print pattern. A polarized beam of collimated light is passed through the gel. The pattern features impressed in the surface of the gel scatter light out of the optical path. The beam is then directed to a polarizing element oriented so as to filter out the scattered light rays and thereby produce a high-contrast image for direct viewing or further automated processing. In one embodiment of the apparatus single pressure-sensitive transparencies of individual prints are inserted in a polarized light path. In another, a film transport mechanism exposes successive regions of a strip of transparent pressure-sensitive film in a window for application of individual prints and advances the film to position each image imprinted on the film surface in the polarized light path.