OrthoTape Plaster Bandages — 6 Inch x 5 Yards | 12 Rolls
Professional-grade plaster bandages for orthopedic casting, splinting, and sculpting. Each roll is 6 inches wide x 5 yards long. Sold as a box of 12 rolls. The 6-inch width is the standard choice for leg casts, thigh casts, and large anatomy.
What Are Plaster Bandages Used For?
🏥 Medical Applications
- Leg and thigh casts — the 6-inch width is the clinical standard for below-knee and long leg casts
- Orthopedic splinting — posterior leg splints, sugar tong splints, and slab splints
- Fracture immobilization — tibia, fibula, ankle, and foot fractures
- Initial fracture management — plaster is preferred over fiberglass for acute swelling due to its superior moldability
- Pediatric casting — smooth, conforming application for young patients
- Veterinary casting — large animal and equine limb immobilization
🎨 Artistic & Creative Applications
- Body casting and life casting — torso, leg, and full-body molds
- Sculpture and prop fabrication — theater, film, and special effects
- Mask making — face and body molds for costume and art
- Pregnancy belly casting — the 6-inch width covers large surface areas efficiently
- Taxidermy forms — creating anatomical molds and armatures
Setting Speed
| Property | OrthoTape Plaster Bandages |
|---|---|
| Setting Type | Fast Setting |
| Initial Set Time | 5–8 minutes |
| Full Hardening | 30–60 minutes |
| Best For | Leg casts, splints, body casting |
| Water Temperature Tip | Use cooler water (65–70°F) to extend working time; warmer water accelerates set |
Product Features
- Fast-setting plaster — efficient casting with reliable set times
- Wide 6-inch format — ideal for leg, thigh, and body casts
- Smooth, consistent texture — easy to mold, laminate, and shape
- Compatible with all standard casting techniques
- Economical 12-roll box — ideal for clinic stock and bulk use
- Plaster of Paris gauze construction — uniform plaster distribution for consistent results
Why Buy from OrthoTape.com?
- ✅ Authorized OrthoTape Dealer — buy direct from the source
- ✅ Guaranteed Fresh Stock — proper storage and rotation for full shelf life
- ✅ Real People, Real Support — call us at 800-580-9887 (M–F 9:30–5:00 EST)
- ✅ Authentic Product Quality Guaranteed — no gray market or expired stock
Also Available in Other Sizes
- 2 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 12 Rolls — fingers, pediatric
- 3 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 12 Rolls — wrist, forearm
- 8 Inch OrthoTape Plaster Bandages x 5 Yard 10 Rolls — large leg, body casting
How to Apply Plaster Bandages
- Prepare the limb — apply stockinette and cast padding over the area, ensuring bony prominences are well padded.
- Prepare the water — fill a bucket with room-temperature water (70–75°F). Cooler water extends working time; warmer water accelerates set.
- Dip the roll — submerge one plaster bandage roll until bubbling stops (~3–5 seconds). Gently squeeze out excess water — do not wring.
- Apply the bandage — unroll smoothly over the padded limb with 50% overlap. Smooth each layer with your palm to laminate layers together.
- Mold and shape — while still pliable, mold to the desired position using the palm of your hand (avoid finger indentations).
- Allow to set — hold in position until initial set (~5–8 minutes). No weight bearing until fully hardened (30–60 minutes).
- Finish — fold back the stockinette over cast edges and secure with a final layer of plaster or elastic bandage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are plaster bandages used for?
Plaster bandages are used to make rigid casts and splints for broken bones, fractures, and sprains. They are also widely used in body casting, sculpture, art, and special effects. The 6-inch width is ideal for leg casts, thigh casts, and larger anatomy.
How long do OrthoTape plaster bandages take to set?
OrthoTape plaster bandages achieve initial set in approximately 5–8 minutes. Full hardening occurs within 30–60 minutes. Using warmer water will accelerate setting time; cooler water extends working time.
How many rolls do I need for a leg cast?
A typical below-knee (short leg) cast requires 4–6 rolls of 6-inch plaster bandage. A full leg cast may require 8–10 rolls. The 12-roll box provides enough material for 1–2 complete casts, making it ideal for clinic stock.
What is the difference between plaster bandages and fiberglass cast tape?
Plaster bandages are heavier, more moldable, and less expensive than fiberglass cast tape. They are preferred for initial casting and complex molds. Fiberglass cast tape is lighter, more durable, and water-resistant, making it better for long-term wear. Plaster is the standard choice for splints and initial fracture management.
Can plaster bandages be used for art and body casting?
Yes. Plaster bandages are widely used by artists and sculptors for body casting, life casting, mask making, and prop fabrication. The 6-inch width is ideal for torso and leg molds. Always apply a release agent (petroleum jelly) to skin before use for artistic applications.
Are OrthoTape plaster bandages MRI compatible?
Plaster of Paris is non-metallic and does not contain ferromagnetic materials, so a plaster cast is generally considered MRI compatible. However, always consult the treating physician and MRI facility before scanning a patient in any cast.
What size plaster bandage should I use?
Width selection depends on the anatomy being casted: 2-inch for fingers and pediatric use, 3-inch for wrists and forearms, 4-inch for arms and ankles, 6-inch for legs and thighs, and 8-inch for large leg casts and body casting. OrthoTape plaster bandages are available in 2, 3, 6, and 8-inch widths.