How to Make Paper Mache Arm Casts
Casts are the main method that doctors use to immobilize a broken arm. In the past, casts were made of plaster, while fiberglass is typically used today. If you need a fake cast for a costume or play, you can make one fairly easily out of paper mache. This cast will be removable, and can be custom made for a specific person. When you pair it with a sling, you can make it look like your arm is really broken.
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Instructions
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Tear newspaper into strips that are 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.
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Mix a paste that is one part thick white glue to one part water.
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Have a model hold his arm with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. If you have access to a mannequin or other fake arm with the arm bent, you can use it instead of a live model.
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The gauze wraps around the wrist and thumb. Wrap three layers of gauze loosely around the model's arm, going from mid-bicep to the wrist. Wrap the webbing between the thumb and first finger as pictured.
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Dip the first newspaper strip into the paste, then squeeze off the excess and smooth it onto the gauze.
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Continue adding overlapping pieces of newspaper until the entire gauze area is covered. Leave half an inch of gauze uncovered at both ends.
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Apply three additional layers of newspaper strips, each dipped in the paste.
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Allow the cast to dry. You can speed this process with a hairdryer, but be careful not to burn the model.
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Cut the cast along the back side with a sharp pair of scissors to remove it from the model's arm. This should be fairly easy if the gauze was wrapped loosely.
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Paint the cast white or dark blue. If desired, use colored markers to write messages from friends and well-wishers.
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Hide the cut back of the cast against your body when wearing it.
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Tips & Warnings
Stop wrapping the gauze just below the elbow for a forearm cast.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
