In making a bald wig such as is worn on the theatrical stage, a piece of stout calico should be tightly stretched over a suitable dummy, which is generally a wooden block, and the calico should be tied or tacked round the neck of the dummy. Give the calico a coat of hot jelly size, which should be followed by two coats of flake white. The medium for applying the colour should consist of copal varnish, linseed oil, turps, and a few drops of gold size. Each coat must be dry and hard before the next is applied. The flesh tints may be obtained by mixing small quantities of rose madder and Indian yellow with flake white, the medium being the same as before.

The foundation of a theatrical bald wig is made of stout hrown calico, which is cut, sewn, and fitted to a barber's block, as is explained on p. 19. Prime the calico with size to which a little whiting has been added; allow this to dry, then remove the calico from the block. For the hair, stitch in white Berlin wool; or a piece of fur could be used. When this is done, place the calico again on the block, and paint the bald part with a mixture made as follows. Mix a little white lead with a touch of vermilion and Indian yellow to form a flesh tint, then add a few drops of linseed oil, turps, and a little gold size. Allow it to dry, and then apply a second coat.