hello, newbies here. just tried my first lower torso casting today needless to say it din't come out as expected. the casting came out very distorded. i use 3 layer of plaster bandages for the support shell. i don't think that was enough. my question is how many layer are you suppose to use and how long do you let it dry before taking it off the model. any help is appreciated.

If you used three single layers of bandage - that is not enough. Roll out a 5" or 6" bandage about 6-8 inches. Then roll it back on itself; then roll it back on itself a third time. Cut - now you have a three-ply bandage. You will need about 9-rolls. Stack your bandages in a criss-cross fashion so it will be easier to pick up.

Wet the bandage in warm water and squeeze excess water out slightly - too much will cause wrinkle problems that are hard to smooth out. You need to start at the top of the torso with your bandage and overlap succeeding bandages about 1/3 on top of the one above it. Care must be taken to make certain you smooth out the bandage so there are no air pockets. Air pockets will cause mold deformation.


To finish wet out a bandage. Holding it in one hand lengthwise fold it in half then in quarters to create a square-like rope. Use these ropes around the edge of your torso to reinforce it to prevent spreading. Spreading adds pounds to the torso during casting.

I cannot tell you how long it will take to dry as each bandage brand has a different set time. However, by adding sdalt to your water you can speed up drying time. Also make certain to change your water when it turns milky. Failure to do so can can delamination. Fast set bandages such as Gypsona, using salt take about 15-minutes to set

Regards,
Ed McCormick

thank you.