CHAPTER
61Homemade Casting Materials
569
Plaster bandages
Although commercial plaster bandages work best, they are very expensive. You can
make homemade plaster bandages for as little as one tenth the cost. Or some of the
disabled children can learn to make them. You will need:
• plaster of Paris. If possible, a high-quality type such
as dental plaster of Paris. Keep it in a tightly closed
moisture-proof container.
• gauze cloth or crinoline. Crinoline, which is a high-
quality open mesh cloth, works best. Good quality
gauze can also be used. Holes should be about 8 to
10 per cm. (20 per inch). Cheesecloth also works,
but not as well.
HOW TO PREPARE:
• If you use gauze or cheesecloth, first dip it into a weak
solution of laundry starch and let it dry. This helps the
bandage keep its shape.
• Cut the cloth into strips of the width you want.
• Rub plaster powder into the cloth and roll or fold it
loosely. Do not roll it tightly or the inner part will
not get wet when dipped for use.
The most common problem is that the gauze does not hold enough of the
plaster powder. Even if you put on a lot, some powder always falls out. The test is
when you apply the wet bandage. As you rub each layer into the next, the threads
of cloth should disappear into the smooth, wet, plaster surface. If not, there is not
enough plaster and it will not set hard.
Suggestion: Have some dry plaster powder ready
when you are casting. If needed, sprinkle a little
powder over each layer of bandage and rub it smooth
with wet hands. Add more to the final layer and rub
it in to form a polished surface.
Storage: Wrap the plaster bandages in old newspaper or plastic bags and store in an
airtight container. Do not prepare too many at a time. They can absorb moisture and
spoil.
CAUTION: When wetting for use, up to a third of the plaster
may be lost in the water. To reduce loss, put bandage gently
into water and then let it drip. If you squeeze it, hold the ends
of the roll and gently squeeze toward the center.
Homemade plaster takes longer to get hard than commercial
‘fast-setting’ plaster. To speed up hardening, heat the water
or add a little salt to it.