Embalming and cremating: How do they do it?

How do morticians make a lifeless body look so good?
Skill, and specialized products offered by the $2.3 billion funeral supply industry. The process is not for the fainthearted.

It starts with the embalming fluid, which comes in a variety of tints and solutions to impart a healthy-looking flush to the skin and mask a long list of unattractive conditions. Usually formaldehyde-based, embalming fluid temporarily stabilizes the body's proteins to delay decomposition.



Wounds are filled in with a putty-like compound, flesh-colored creams or sprays. Some funeral homes have adopted Hollywood's airbrush makeup techniques for a more natural-looking finish.
Prickly, contact lens-shaped caps under the eyelids keep eyes closed. Sutures or wires do the same for mouths. A plastic device with sharp spurs forms the smile. Lips are waxed or glued together.

Special burial garments frame the effect -- especially for women. Made of flowing crepes and silks in soft colors, the garments are slit up the back for ease of dressing and are designed to look best in a reclining position.

By JOANNE KIMBERLIN