Graphite degeneration is the most prominent microstructural defect in the casting skin of ductile iron. Induced by either sulfur or oxygen contained in the molding material, its occurrence can be observed in a large range of iron castings, having substantial negative influences on the mechanical properties, especially fatigue resistance. Previous investigations predominately focused on the influence of the degenerated graphite layer, while accompanying changes of the iron matrix were neglected. The superposition of these effects hinders the evaluation of casting skin defects in state-of-the-art design of ductile iron components. The presented solution utilizes an experimental procedure, which enables the production of specimens with specific, individual microstructural configurations in the casting skin. This approach is based on the application of a modified sand core coating. By adding sulfurizing additives to the coating and adjusting its binder content and viscosity, a predominately homogeneous degenerated layer of 0.5 mm thickness was obtained. Using specific heat treatment steps assured a fully ferritic or pearlitic iron matrix, isolating the degenerated layer as the main microstructural defect. Fatigue testing of these specimens will further enable the numerical evaluation of the fatigue resistance in dependence of the casting skin microstructure.