How to Make a Plaster Torso Life Cast - Prop: Shop

A plaster body casting can be an incredibly useful tool for your costume making arsenal. In this video, Bill and his pals show you how to make one safely, quickly, and on the cheap!
Thanks to the folks from Coregeek Creations!
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Tools & Materials
Petrolium Jelly
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Plaster Bandages
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#PunishedProps

[@indigoolson5947]

Hey folks, just a quick warning to those attempting this project. Be sure to really layer on that vaseline on the seams, drink lots of water and GIVE YOURSELF ROOM TO BREATHE. I was stupid and focused too hard on making my model tight to my body which didn't give me enough space to breathe and I actually collapsed and lost consciousness from not having enough air. I'm fine now, and I do want to emphasize that it was bc of my OWN oversight, but I want to warn people all the same: If you feel dizzy at all please get out of it immediately! You can always try again but it isn't worth getting hurt! Also really get multiple people to help, I only had one person so I was in the thing far too long. Stay safe folks!

[@punishedprops]

Thank you for sharing this! Yes! Safety is EXTREMELY important. Make sure you have breathing room, make sure you aren't attempting this alone, and take care with your seams so you can get out!

[@flamewhisker]

I attempted this this weekend and I didn't have an issue of too tight (mine was actually a bit loose in the belly area because I have a tendency to stand more sway back and then straighten up when I remember... but I stood in the heat, probably a little dehydrated, and locked kneed for about 30 mins before I was like "uaa, I need a drink" to my boyfriend before promptly going limp and falling to the ground. Luckily, he caught me and as soon as I was horizontal I was fully aware. He ripped off the plaster immediately though even though that wasn't really the problem. But who am I to argue with a doctor! But I did learn that if someone does pass out from standing too long like this, lift their legs up as it helps moves the pooled blood back into the upper half of the body.

[@pyramidsinegypt]

That transparent foodwrap stuff works well and its easier to clean than vaseline.

[@Earendilgrey]

One tip for the ladies out there is to actually do a cross pattern across the bust area. It helps get a more accurate shape of the breast area. I usually run a strip horizontal under the bust and one right under the arms and over the top of the bust then cut shorter strips and lay the pieces in an X pattern across the breast area, making sure to smooth as you go.

[@emilialindholm47]

Thanks for the tip! But should I have a bra on when I do the cast??

[@aj4232]

If you would be wearing a bra under the costume you were making then yes, if not then you could probably get away without. However, your bra does help to keep it all in place while the cast is going on, and for me the feeling of slightly damp shirt with plaster on top is really gross without a bra under it. Wear one you wouldn't mind getting ruined though, just in case.

[@avamasquerade]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@MiraBoo]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing :)

[@abrahamparra6888]

why is there always the one guy, giving a helpful video like this, a thumbs down? Thank you, cant wait to start my own casting party!

[@pai009]

You could also use this for sewing, it'd be really good for making sure your patterns fit you correctly.

[@CitizenWorm]

That’s why I came to this video.

[@KateLate____]

Have you seen the videos for doing this with duct tape? Looks less messy but not as strong

[@auntigingy8666]

That’s why I am looking into this. I had friends make a duct tape body mold. They said it came out well. Then filled it with expandable foam spray

[@Theliberaldiva]

@@KateLate____ It's also not as accurate, but you are correct- it's easier and less messy. You can also do it with paper postal tape (you know that old fashioned stuff that you have to wet to use?) Here's a good tutorial on how to make a Paper Mache dress form out of this mold: www.threadsmagazine.com/2008/10/24/molded-papier-mache-form

[@khxliakhxlia3605]

Aw

[@HungLikeScrat]

These are always fun to make. I made one years ago. I coated the inside and started using it to make ballistics gel torsos to shoot at.

[@coregeek]

Thanks for having us over. We had a great time!

[@DALLASBARNETT]

hey Eric .. You and I appear to have the same basic frame.. do you remember around how much of the plaster bandages you used for your cast? I,m seeing packs of 4" X 5 Yard on Amazon for a decent price , but dont want to under-order because its 2 weeks shipping anything to New Zealand. Thanks in advance

[@lordkaine01]

Love this video, was going to do a duct tape form again but then was like there has to be a more durable option and BAM!here we are. Got a few friends together and pumped out 3 casts with that 20lb box in the description. Your channel has been so useful and entertaining thanks!

[@punishedprops]

That's fantastic!

[@JenettheCat117]

Found this incredibly useful and I learned a lot! Thank you!

[@CarlinComm]

That's really cool, I had forgotten how inexpensive the plaster casts were to make. Will be checking that link out! Thanks for sharing that!

[@IronLilyCosplay]

man I love this channel. I just read a tutorial on this and was a bit concerned. as always you made it clear what to do!

[@Superphung09]

Very helpful! Going to make this sometime this month

[@pixl3l]

I am so getting that book as soon as my student loans are coming through ^^ Great video, as always. Thanks.

[@Xzo]

a torso casting party you say? my gosh! you're brilliant sir!

[@nancyjones900]

I sometimes use basic plaster bandage molds for casting into when detail isn't important. But, because I need the two halves to come apart (to retrieve the cast) I tend to make a 90 degree lip at the seams. Before freeing the model, I use a Dremel to put holes right through both parts at this lip. Later, bolts with washers and butterfly nuts are used to hold both sides together... this helps with registration (making sure the parts are accurately aligned) and allows me to release the moulded item easily. I also find it useful to consider the likely orientations of the cast/mold needed during storage or molding/demolding. I then build up areas on the outside of the mold that will allow it to stand securely by itself in each orientation. This beats having the mold rolling around on the desk when you're trying to work with it : )

[@johnwant4718]

Fantastically informative video!

[@mysticode]

Now that's some useful info! Thanks Punished Props! :D

[@chandlerpersonal]

Very helpful. I'll try this technique out sometime :)

[@amybechan2213]

I would love a torso casting party!! Except no one I know would want to come

[@mukistygian6183]

Amy Bechan I wanna come!

[@g-manisawesome2342]

Amy Bechan no one would come to mine so I'd go to yours

[@auntigingy8666]

U in Wisconsin near Madison or Milwaukee

[@blizatrex]

Another great video. This would be the best sort of way to get to know people or trap them for hours.

[@lillystern]

Great video maybe this can help with my body dysmorphia

[@confuzedgraphite]

I need one of these holy cow! I have an unusual bust size so making chest plates and other upper body stuff is a pain to do by myself.

[@danielmodigh5879]

I have searched many many times on youtube,but have not been able to find any good tutorials on how to create a Predator torso etc and how to make them as accurate as possible,so maybe you know enough and can do such a torso at some point,I am a definate beginner in all aspects in this line of creativity and could use some awesome tutorials and step by step guidance.

[@samaker4]

Nice one Bill. Thanks

[@AveryCloseCall]

Good video, theanks - and hello! I wonder, since the plaster cast is even more accurate on the inside, and since it's going to be stronger than a duct tape dummy... would it be possible to split along the seam, then use it as an external mold for 'casting' more torso copies with expanding foam or something... that'd let you easily make many accurate copies with embedded frames/skeletons.

[@matthewroe496]

Great video! I am wondering how many casts can you make per box? Deffinetly planning a plaster party now but need to know how many boxes to order.

[@Jonathansa01]

Hey guys, nice vid, but just wanted to give you what might be a useful tip. Next time when applying the bandages/strips, don't dip them into the bucket of water, way too much water and you lose some plaster. Maybe rather put them on dry and spray with a water bottle(mist mode). That way you can have more control over moisture and shaping of the plaster :-)

[@good__enough]

That sounds like a very good idea! My mind says "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?!"

[@roniromero1313]

pretty awesome processes, very handy so i see why you said friends that you trust lmao

[@kajun8561]

Torso casting party! I'm in!

[@thesexybatman263]

Thanks for the tutorial! Will try it next time I need to make some body armor. I still have 3 questions: Would it work the same if the model is wrapped on plastic film instead of wearing a shirt? which material would you recomed using to stuff the cast? (I was thinking of expanding foam) And why cant't cotton shirts be used for the casting procces?

[@bschonec]

What kind of snacks should I serve at my next "torso casting party"?

[@punishedprops]

Finger food! =D

[@mikee5215]

Something that 'sticks to your ribs'

[@markzambelli]

For drinks go with a 'full-bodied' red-wine.

[@christopherterrell1805]

Worked wonders, attached latches with epoxy and now I can make ballistics gel copies of myself to test ammunition on.

[@punishedprops]

Woooah cool!

[@TrishhMakes]

I did mine last year, but put a plastic bag on my torso, then tape, then the plaster bandages. Didnt turned out perfect, but I was doingg it on my own, onto myself, so it was a win on my book :P

[@daggerelk1481]

She looked like she was having fun XD, I don't think I could sit still long enough to do that hahaha. Great video as always guys!

[@DavidLeeKersey]

If you're looking for a faster method lookup Duct Tape Dummies. They are quick and cheap just not as rigid or as durable.

[@JesusAguilar-cb8ej]

keep it up guys, 4 more years.

[@kinosoftair]

i didn't realized you guys had a second channel for the live Q&A and now i feel dumb, but at the same time a have 2 months worth of unwatched videos so HECK YEAH Bill an Britt marathon here i come

[@dcpunk4]

Wait, what's that channel? I wonder if they've answered a question I have. I'm wondering how many casts they can get out of one box of the bandages

[@kinosoftair]

it's called Punished props Extra. there is a clicky link at the end of this video

[@cellano5223]

I didn't know they had a second channel either until I stumbled upon it a week or two ago. I was like where did the QA go? lol XD

[@taiman20032005]

Hey I have a question. How sturdy is this torso? Would you recommend doing mosaic art on it?😊

[@greyareaRK1]

I thought you'd be making a reverse cast, but that seems awesome. I think I need to workout a bit first. Kaitlyn est vraiment belle!

[@jelliebeans1123]

super helpful thanks!

[@punishedprops]

You're welcome!

[@PhoenixRevival00]

How much of the plaster bandage did you use from that box for Eric's torso? I'm just wondering if a smaller quantity of bandages would be better for one adult.

[@nemospodcast6766]

I love your guises videos you guys are so knowledgeable. Thank you quick question if I want to do my torso and arms Should I just have a long Sleeve polyester T-shirt on? I hope you guys answer back or anybody thank you have a great day.

[@punishedprops]

Yes something like that should work fine - but you'll want to make sure you have seams along the arms as well, to make sure you can safely get out of the plaster form once it's dried.

[@KwanTuakli1]

Does anyone know much of the bandage is required per person? We are planning a plaster casting party, but I'd hate to get partway through and find out I don't have enough 😅

[@nailsbraidsbykims2021]

I'm wanting to make a cast of my husband's head & torso for ballistics gelatin. How would you cast it the head first a d then the body & do it back to front like Head back then Head front Then Torso back to Torso front & let dry together or head first the torso after we take off the head plaster??? I'm so sorry if this is confusing 😕

[@darrell9294]

Any recommendations for a proper release agent so i don't destroy the cast when filling with polyurethane foam?

[@madladpjl]

can you fill it with expanding foam it make it so it wont crush ?

[@charmedpumpkinn]

Are we able to put pins in it for costuming fabric?

[@jackrussel6211]

Can this be done with the arms included too? Just down to the wrists

[@user-vl4zi9vl8g]

Maybe some registration marks for lining it back up?

[@flaagan]

Could you use the casting as a mold, taping off the arms and neck and spraying in expanding foam, maybe with a plastic bag inside? Would give you a 'cast' of the torso that you could easily stick pins into.

[@Theliberaldiva]

I sew, so I came here looking to make a custom dress form. I found this article on how to do that. Maybe this is what you're talking about? www.threadsmagazine.com/2008/10/24/molded-papier-mache-form

[@lasarith2]

I filled my T-shirt Duct Tape- torso cast with 10 pence plastic bags, I had plenty lying around at the time lol. PS: I don't know what the costume is behind you on the screen @ 7:35 is but it's awesome.

[@VFGMovieReviews]

So long as you use the jelly, you could easily do it without the subject wearing a shirt right if you needed a better body cast?

[@Blackspire_Cosplay]

hi, would one case of plaster strips be enough to make to adult cast?

[@XanderR1985]

What's a good material and method for filling in the hollow insides of the cast? Would you suggest an expanding liquid foam?

[@punishedprops]

Yes I would use an expanding urethane foam. Like Smooth-On's Foamit line of products.

[@raymondharris7226]

Thanks so so much....

[@punishedprops]

You're so so welcome!

[@seamus6387]

Good video, as far as shirts to wear, in the past, I've found that wearing a cheap athletic style shirt is best. Try to get it thin, no or minimal logos and, a tight fabric that stretches in 4 directions (think a shirt you use as a base layer with sports.)

[@coregeek]

seamus6387 That's what we used for these.

[@lindzpace1961]

could you just plastic wrap then vaseline instead of a shirt?

[@Ember98276]

How much of the plaster did you use for one person?

[@isaackershnerART]

How long did it take to fully cure?

[@marinewife12201]

Does the plaster bandage you recommend enough for a full body cast? Well enough for the size of a 12 yr old child?

[@ThemmeFataleKiva]

I wonder if this could be used for making moulds for silicone prosthetics. 🤔 I need to figure out how to do this for my back/sides, hips, and shins

[@punishedprops]

Yeah you could totally sculpt on this and use it as a base!

[@tankster5826]

If I was going to use the cast as a mold and use quick set alginage as the inside, what would I paint the inside with to make the front and back release that would work the best? Also how many hours and how many people did it take to put all the plaster strips on?

[@punishedprops]

We had 3-4 people working and it took about 45 minutes to make one torso. I've never cast alginate out of a mold like this, so I'm not sure how you would go about doing that.

[@emilie5603]

Can u do this with yourself? Want to make elf ear but need a mould first

[@gladtidings4all]

I would like to be body casted including the neck for a body form for sewing.

[@crimvaxine5802]

Hey Im new to this stuff. Can you use sand paper on plaster bandage ? and will it be smooth ?

[@punishedprops]

It will get fairly smooth, but the bandage fibers will interfere with a nice, smooth finish. You could brush on a couple more coats of normal plaster to make a shell around it and then sand that smooth, so long as you don't sand back down to the fibers.

[@phongle1772]

Well this is exactly to size of your body. If you use tapes to close the head and arm opening you can get a positive out of it with expanding foam.

[@alaskankare]

do you have to worry about it being too tight?

[@Johny40Se7en]

Thanks a lot for this, really cool video. What did you use to make the plaster bandages sticky? or do you just them in water?

[@punishedprops]

Dunking them in water activates the plaster, making it sticky.

[@claireouellette2842]

Does the water have to be a particular temperature? Also, do you recommend a brand for doing it directly on skin?

[@PhantomGun4]

i don't know how effective it is but, i have seen were people have taken their air blowers from the compresses in help take molds a part. just take to the seem and blow. might feel a bit fresh for something like this tho.

[@systemedmultimedia6526]

Hi. Nice work here. Can you do a tutorial on how to use this plaster torso as a mold (negative) so you can make a positive in a way that'll be more durable, solide and perhaps lighter (raisin, fiberglass, etc) ? That'll be really nice ! Also, could yo make a tutorial on how to do a full body cast in order to build some sort manequin that'll quite usefull for costume & makeup works ? Thanks to answer and keep up with the good work.

[@punishedprops]

I don't think the plaster bandages would make a very good mold. A silicone life cast mold would work much better. Then you could cast a copy out of that mold using fiberglass.

[@LoveRev]

@@punishedprops do you have a video of a silicone life cast to then make a chest plate? Or how can I use this example to then make the costume?

[@protochrisx]

How many boxes from the amazon link are needed for a cast? Would one box work for one cast?

[@punishedprops]

That one giant box should be enough to do several torso castings.

[@claudefaustus3104]

i want to cast my entire body in like plaster of paris so there is just a 1:1 stone me in the garage

[@Mr0Smith1]

PunishedProps, I've got a question about this. Just a few days ago I bought the plaster bandages and me and my fiance made the cast. I bought enough to get full coverage, but it's not very thick. By now, its dry and cured and all that. Is it possible if I buy another package, to add more even though the base is dry? I want to reinforce some spots and get an extra layer or 2.

[@punishedprops]

I've never tried that, so I'm not sure if the new layers will adhere well to the previous layers.

[@MaryCateOMalley]

I would reinforce it with this. Even thin, it dries very hard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q0Z5iLpsh4npo

[@SuicideNeil]

Heh. I remember back in school, a girl in our art class made a plaster cast of her torso for one particular project ( something to do with how humans perceive themselves I think, long time ago... ), and brought it into school when it was finished ( made it at home ). I remember everyones expressions and all the 'wows'; we were all ~16 y/o at the time, but she was 16 y/o and 34DD. It was a popular piece of art in that class room... :D

[@tankster5826]

If I want to make a mold, what is the best material to pour as a mold that is inexpensive, easy to do, won’t deteriorate, doesn’t give of strong off gassing or chemicals?

[@punishedprops]

I would reach out to the folks at Smooth-On, they're great at helping people find the right material for what they need.

[@stephenpetrie7576]

How much bandage does it take to do a person the size of the gentleman in the video?

[@MartinDolan]

I would like to know this too. Not sure how much to buy. How many meters or feet of bandage do you recommend to get?

[@MartinDolan]

ok, that box is 396 Feet long, ~ 120m long. If you say it's enough to make 6, then that is around 20m per person, so 25m-30m to be safe. Thanks Bill, you're awesome! (and this is here for anyone else who wants to know.)

[@auntigingy8666]

So you think that would be enough for 2 average medium/medium big build people?

[@PrinceFlumph]

Is there ways to reinforce the inside? Such as expanding foam?

[@MaryCateOMalley]

yes. That was mentioned. Also this would work, I bet. Use thin layers to dry properly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q0Z5iLpsh4npo

[@ubergeraldine]

Couldn’t you wrap the model in cling Film?

[@auntieauntiesquared359]

What material could I pour/brush into the negative to make a more accurate representation of a body that could act as a dress form?AuntieAuntie

[@punishedprops]

You could use an expanding urethane foam.

[@karstenvonfjellheim5321]

We did this on a guy once, with a hairy chest. Opps!

[@bschonec]

And be sure to take out any body jewelry. DAMHIKT.

[@anarchyantz1564]

Hey free chest "waxing"!

[@helenebachmann8068]

How much cast did you use on the girl? Im going to try to make one and then use it to make a foam cast for sewing 😍

[@viktoriaschmied6627]

They mentioned in another comment about 5 pounds. Another tip is, if you need a more accurate cast, criss cross the chest/breast area. If necessary fully shaving/waxing and removing any jewellery allows you to make it on a naked body/bra only too. Just make sure to use a bra that is the most "average" in shape. Unless that's your thing, you likely won't wear a push up plunge on a daily basis afterall. And the fit might be off for most pieces

[@centaur1a]

Has there been a time when the cast of the person had to be recast several years later? Maybe because of the body change like weight, size, or the mold gone bad?

[@jasminchappell4972]

not the OP, but have done a few life casts: yeah, if you gain or lose a bunch of weight you'll need to make a new one so the costumes you make on it will be your current size

[@jennicaschembri3851]

Did you use the whole box of plaster bandages for one model??

[@punishedprops]

No, I bought a big box and it lasted for about 5 torsos.

[@nerdturf9132]

So I'm looking to make a 1:1 full cast of myself with a PVC pipe through the middle as a spine to take it apart in smaller pieces as a portable manniquin. Could I possibly fill this stuff with something like resin or liquid plaster without it cracking or breaking?

[@punishedprops]

Expanding foam would probably be your best bet.

[@nerdturf9132]

@@punishedprops okay thank you !

[@kamenblackguy]

Can I use coconut oil instead of patroleum jelly in the process?

[@MaryCateOMalley]

Probably and oil would do.

[@stephs10]

That looks like the 20lb box. How much of it did y’all use for her?

[@punishedprops]

I can't recall exactly, but I think we did maybe 4 torsos with that box.

[@lordkaine01]

Just did this myself and we got 3 torsos with the 20 lb box (albeit I am a bit bigger than the two others in the group) and had to purchase a few extra rolls to patch them together.

[@BrotherNo]

I wish I knew some liked minded people to do this

[@auntigingy8666]

You in Wisconsin? I want to do one for myself. Willing to grab some of my friends and help each other out.

[@tomasbukvic8894]

How many meters of bandage do i approximately need for making torso, if i had 98cm around chest and 85cm around waist?

[@punishedprops]

I'm not sure. You can usually see how many yards or meters of strips there are in a package and go from there.

[@HalfDeadCrow13]

Aw she's so cute!

[@nemospodcast6766]

I apologize if this is a stupid question but can I use the life cast to make a costume itself not use it as a manikin like what the video is explaining?

[@punishedprops]

I'm sure you could, but I wouldn't advise it. The plaster tends to be pretty brittle and would be quite a bit heavier than other materials you could use instead, like EVA foam or Foamed PVC.

[@zierakate9693]

How much of the box did you use?? I don’t want to spend more than I need as I’m making a sewing mannequin! I’ve already done a casting of my face many years ago for SFX makeup but it would be sweet to do my body!

[@punishedprops]

To be honest I don't remember any more

[@woodenswordgames9724]

@@punishedprops I believe you mentioned in an earlier comment that you got about 4 torsos out of the one box.

[@buildersmark]

If you cast any part of your body that has hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, mustache, nose & ears) Vaseline these areas well or 1 you may not get the casting off, 2 you will have some bald spots (both are painful)

[@GrubbyChipster]

Can you do this directly on the body safely?

[@punishedprops]

You can with vaseline - this method is also used to make custom face masks. But it's probably better to have the person wear a thin shirt or something - much cleaner.

[@themaninthesuitcase]

Roughly how much badage did it take to do each of the casts?

[@themaninthesuitcase]

So I guess just buy a box full and that's probably enough?

[@Goose-it]

great video, didn't know he had a brother lol

[@Goose-it]

Punished Props interesting fact

[@benzad123]

What if I don't have friends to help me ;_;

[@beatlebabe1969]

benzad123 put on a shitty t from the thrift store, wrap duct tape around it on your body, cut up the side when you're done. You can cover it in plaster after

[@benzad123]

beatlebabe1969 umm..thanks..but I was making a sad joke...

[@chiaravicary2936]

How much of the plaster did you use to make this?

[@punishedprops]

I'm not sure

[@dannybracken6982]

Love your videos. Question; why do you talk like a strange computer recording?

[@RaymondSullivanwolfsmith]

Have you guys and girls at punished props ever done a warhammer 40,000 build

[@RaymondSullivanwolfsmith]

ah oh well

[@DisabledComics1995]

But wouldn’t it be better to do it like the life cast of the head. The bandages are going Over the body adding thickness however minute the real body proportions are what’s on the inside

[@houssknight9787]

please tell me can we wear that after drying or it is not wearable ?

[@punishedprops]

You could probably wear it, I've never tried.

[@houssknight9787]

then go ahead and wear it lol tell me is it solid ? i am thinking to do this on a mannequin legs with this or duct tape

[@MaryCateOMalley]

@@houssknight9787 Duct tape sucks. You can build a stand with a bucket and quick dry cement with a wooden pole from Home Depot.

[@stabbedboxfilms]

This could be used for fake casts like for Eddie Kaspbrak as well!

[@JoeyTheGreat]

How much weight can It hold?

[@punishedprops]

I haven't tested.