How to Choose a Cast Color

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 16, 2022 References

Broken bones are the worst, but it doesn't have to be all bad. While you're healing, you can sport a cool colored cast made of fiberglass. The only problem you might face is which color to choose. You'll have to choose while you're in the doctor's office, even though the cast won't be fitted until your swelling goes down.^{[1]
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Research source} Make sure the color is something you really like, since you'll have to wear it for up to six weeks.^{[2]
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Research source} After the doctor sets your cast, take care of it and let your friends sign it. This way, you'll have a neat souvenir.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Your Color

1
Tell your doctor you want a colored cast. If you don't speak up, you'll probably get a traditional white plaster cast. Most doctors will let you pick the color.^{[3]
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Research source} Some offices have cast samples available. Others might give you a brochure to look through.
2
Choose your favorite color. You're going to wear this cast for several weeks, so make sure the color is something you like. Don't just choose it because other people think it's cool. Choose it because you think it's cool.
- If your favorite color isn't available, look for a color that matches your favorite season. For example, if you love winter, go for a light blue. If summer is more your thing, go for red or orange.
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3
Pick a signature-friendly color. People tend to go for lighter colors to see their friends' signatures on their casts. Darker colors might not seem signature-friendly at first. However, if you have a white or silver permanent marker, a darker color just might work.^{[4]
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4
Opt for a color that you can keep clean. Think about how active you are. One broken arm or leg might not prevent you from playing your favorite sports. (Ask you doctor first before you do this!) If you think you're going to be getting dirty often while your cast is on, neons or pastels might not be such a good choice.
5
Add some embellishments. Some doctors offer you the option of embellishing your cast with accents like glitter and designs.^{[5]
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Research source} If your doctor doesn't do this, go to your local craft store to decorate your cast. Buy glitter, stickers, or paint. If your dominant hand is broken or if you don't think of yourself as an artist, ask a friend or your art teacher to help you.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Wearing Your Cast

1
Keep your cast clean. Cover it with a plastic bag while you're eating or drinking. Keep dirt and sand away from the cast if you're playing outdoors.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} A clean cast will prevent skin irritation. It will also keep the color intact so that you can save it when it comes off.
2
Waterproof your cast for baths and showers. Fiberglass can get damp, but it can still cause itching if you get it too wet.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you can afford it, buy a cast cover from your doctor or pharmacist. You could also fit a clean plastic bag from bread or produce over your cast. Check it for holes and put it in place. Then, wrap some medical tape around the opening of the bag.^{[8]
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3
Let your friends sign it. Pens and pencils won't show up very well on fiberglass casts. To make it easier for your friends, carry at least one permanent marker with you. If you've chosen a light-colored cast, make sure your marker is dark. Black or dark blue is a good choice. If your cast is a darker color, have a silver or other light-colored marker ready. Sharpie is the best known brand of permanent markers. You can buy them in a variety of sizes and colors.^{[9]
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- If you have a small cast but lots of friends, stick to a marker with a thinner nib so that everyone can fit their signatures. If you have a larger cast, you could go for a marker with a thicker nib.
- Avoid washable markers, which can smear if you get your cast wet. You should also avoid highlighters, which won't show up very well.
4
Keep your cast as a souvenir. You don't want to throw your cool new work of art in the trash after you heal. Tell your doctor you want to keep your cast after they remove it. Make sure you do this before they start the process. This way, they'll be careful to do as little damage as possible if they have to cut it.^{[10]
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