Hand casting - Part 3

Professional Tip:

If you have thought the project through in advance - you should have worked out where you are going to make the separations in the mould - avoiding too many undercuts.
If you have, then it will be possible to make an edge where the strips of bandage meet. This will eliminate practically any unnecessary cutting through of the plaster bandage, in order to separate the two halves of the support shell.

Once you have built up 4-6 layers and the chemical hardening process has begun (you will tell this is happening when it starts to heat up), you can consider removal of the entire cast.

Whether you have sculpted an edge or carefully cut along the edge, you will need to cut through the rubbery alginate through to the surface of the skin. To avoid any injury to the skin, we use a wooden knife only.

Once you have cut away any loose strands of bandage and ensured clearance all around the cast, you can begin carefully releasing the subject's hand. Getting your client to wriggle their fingers allows for any vacuums formed during the process to be released, and make it easier for the whole arm to be pulled free.

WARNING!
If you need to use a cutting tool in order to create two halves from your plaster case - be very, very careful.
I have used surgical scalpels (the ones used in operating theatres), and motorized cutting disks to channel a path around the plaster casing - but this is skilled work - and can be very dangerous if you are not extremely qualified!

Do not rush this job. You have spent a lot of time and effort applying the various materials, so avoid the temptation to rip the cast off as quickly as possible just to view your results.
Patience at this stage will bring the greatest rewards.

But if all goes well, you should be looking at two perfect halves - like this.

Back of hand.