OrthoTape Plaster Bandages — 3 Inch x 5 Yard | 12 Rolls
Fast-setting plaster bandages for orthopedic casting, splinting, face masks, belly casts, and sculpting. Each roll is 3 inches wide x 5 yards long. Sold as a box of 12 rolls.
What Are Plaster Bandages Used For?
🏥 Medical Applications
- Orthopedic casting — wrist, hand, foot, and ankle fractures
- Pediatric casts — 3-inch width ideal for smaller anatomy
- Splinting — posterior slabs, sugar tong, and volar splints
- Initial immobilization — fast-setting plaster for acute fracture management
- Cast bivalving — cutting and padding existing casts
🎨 Artistic & Creative Applications
- Face mask casting — life-cast facial molds for theater, cosplay, and art
- Belly casts — pregnancy keepsake body casting
- Body sculpting — torso and limb molds for fine art and prosthetics
- Papier-mâché & sculpture — armature building and surface texturing
- Props & costumes — lightweight rigid shells for theatrical and film use
Setting Speed
| Property | Fast Setting | Extra Fast Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Set Time | 3–5 minutes | 2–3 minutes |
| Final Set Time | 24–72 hours | 24–48 hours |
| Best For | Casting, splinting, belly casts, face masks | High-volume clinic use, quick immobilization |
| Working Time | ~3 minutes | ~2 minutes |
| Water Temperature Tip | Room temp for standard; cool water to extend working time | Use cool water — warm water sets too fast to mold |
OrthoTape 3-inch plaster bandages are fast-setting.
Product Features
- Fast-setting plaster — initial set in 3–5 minutes
- Smooth, consistent gauze texture — easy to mold and laminate
- 3-inch width — ideal for wrists, hands, feet, ankles, and pediatric casts
- 5 yards per roll — sufficient for a full wrist or hand cast
- 12 rolls per box — economical for clinic stock and studio use
- Compatible with all standard casting and artistic techniques
Why Buy from OrthoTape.com?
- ✅ Authorized OrthoTape Dealer — buy direct from the source
- ✅ Guaranteed Fresh Stock — short shelf rotation, never old inventory
- ✅ Real People, Real Support — call us at 800-580-9887 (M–F 9:30–5:00 EST)
- ✅ Authentic Product Quality Guaranteed — exactly what clinicians and artists rely on
Also Available in Other Sizes
- 2 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 12 Rolls
- 3 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 12 Rolls — you are here
- 6 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 12 Rolls
- 8 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 10 Rolls
How to Apply Plaster Bandages
- Prepare the area — apply stockinette and cast padding; pad bony prominences well. For artistic use, apply petroleum jelly or barrier cream to skin.
- Prepare water — fill a basin with room-temperature water. Use cooler water to extend working time.
- Dip the roll — submerge the plaster bandage until bubbling stops. Gently squeeze out excess water — do not wring.
- Apply the bandage — wrap smoothly with 50% overlap, molding gently as you go. For face masks and belly casts, apply strips in a crisscross pattern for strength.
- Mold and smooth — use wet hands to smooth each layer and shape to the correct position before it sets.
- Allow to set — hold still for 3–5 minutes until initial set. Avoid stress on the cast for 24 hours until fully hardened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are plaster bandages used for?
Plaster bandages are used for orthopedic casting (fractures, sprains), splinting, and a wide range of artistic applications including face masks, belly casts, body sculpting, and papier-mâché projects. The 3-inch width is ideal for wrists, hands, feet, and pediatric casts.
How fast do OrthoTape plaster bandages set?
OrthoTape plaster bandages are fast-setting. Initial set occurs in approximately 3–5 minutes. Final hardening takes about 24–72 hours depending on thickness and ambient conditions. Use cooler water to extend working time.
How many layers of plaster bandage do I need for a cast?
For a standard orthopedic cast, 6–8 layers of plaster bandage are typically applied. For artistic applications like face masks or belly casts, 3–5 layers are usually sufficient for a rigid shell.
Can plaster bandages be used for belly casts and face masks?
Yes. Plaster gauze bandages are the traditional material for belly casts and face mask casting. Apply petroleum jelly or a barrier cream to the skin first, then layer 3–5 strips of dampened plaster gauze over the area. Allow to set before removing.
What is the difference between plaster bandages and fiberglass cast tape?
Plaster bandages are heavier, more moldable, and less expensive — preferred for initial casts, splints, and artistic work. Fiberglass cast tape is lighter, stronger, water-resistant, and used for definitive casts. Plaster is easier to shape by hand, making it ideal for complex molds and creative projects.
What size plaster bandage should I use?
3-inch plaster bandages are best for wrists, hands, feet, ankles, and pediatric casts. For larger areas like the forearm, leg, or torso (belly casts), 4-inch or 6-inch widths are more efficient. Use 8-inch for large body casting projects.