First a sample idol is prepared by an experienced artist. It is then coated with latex followed by a POP cover to harden. The sample idol is then removed and the mould of (latex +POP) is ready to make more copies. The raw material usually comes from Bhavnagar (clay) and Bikaner (POP). One mould can make approx. 200 idols. Hands and other parts which protrude much are made separately and are later joined to the main body. After finishing the assembly of the main body, work starts on preparing the idol for painting. The idol is first scrubbed, then painted with POP and in the end the cracks are filled. This makes the idol smooth and ready to be painted. First a basic coat of primer is painted so that the paint sticks. It is followed by painting the flat background colours. When the background colours dry, shading work is done. Eyes and other delicate painting work is done only by the specialized artists.
