Set Up

Gather gloves, cool water in a dish and plaster cloth cut into 3 sizes (large for the belly, medium for upper and lower belly and small for breats and other areas.)

Wet Bandages

Dip one plaster strip at a time in the water for 3-5 seconds. Do your best not to let go of the wet strip as it will easily fold or twist. If one does twist or overlap, carefully unfold the strip before applying.

Apply Bandages

ONLY AFTER APPLYING BELLY LUBRICANT, being applying the bandages. It is best if Mom is sitting on the edge of a chair. [Mom should not be lying down. This will cause the belly and final cast to be mishapen.]

Apply Multiple Layers

Apply the bandages in multiple overlapping layers. Smooth them out as you go along.

Continue Applying Bandages

Form around breasts (or hands if they are posed on the belly). Try to smooth out seems within the cast, but don't worry about uneven outer edges at this point.

Standing May be an Option Towards the End

To get the best shape of the belly, Mom may want to stand as the lower and last bandages are applied to the bottom of the belly.

Be Sure to Have 3-4 Layers

Check for any areas you think need reinforcing - sometimes under the breasts.

Almost Dry

Waiting just a few more minutes for the last applied bandages to dry. When the cast is dry, it will make a hollow sound (vs squishy) when tapped and will begin to pull away from the skin on its own.

Remove Cast

The cast just after it was removed from Mom.

(Optional) Casting Stone & Gesso

You may choose to apply casting plaster to further smoothen out the cast. One or two thin layers is usually sufficient. Gesso (priming paint) may also be applied to the dried cast to seal the cast.

The Finished Cast

Both casting stone and gesso were applied to this cast. If in the future Mom wants to paint a design, etc., it is read to go.