The instrumentation for infrared chemical imaging is first described. It generally uses a focal plane array (FPA) detector that can be envisioned as thousands of discrete detectors (pixels) laid out in a grid pattern. Because of the large number of narrow, well-resolved absorbance bands that compose the infrared spectrum of organic (carbon-based) compounds, infrared chemical imaging offers potentially fewer problems with background interferences. This advantage can be exploited by using suitable reagents for the imaging of fingermarks. Criteria for a suitable reagent are outlined. In testing this method in the current study, latent fingermarks were placed on clean, dry glass microscope slides and freshly cleaned and dried circulated Australian polymer $5 banknotes, which has proven to be one of the most challenging surfaces for the development of fingermarks. In one experiment, a fingermark was placed on an infrared reflective (metal oxide-coated) microscope slide. Fresh latent fingermarks from a good donor were developed by using a purpose-designed forensic cyanoacrylate fuming cabinet. Infrared chemical imaging of fingermarks was conducted by using a Digilab Stingray system. The study found that the maximum reduction in background interference that impaired fingermark visualization was achieved with the use of a fingermark reagent with a sufficiently intense and isolated infrared absorption band. Potential reagents include those with an intense C=N vibration. Work is underway to synthesize and isolate such reagents, applicable to a variety of fingermark substrate surfaces. 8 figures and 19 references