Mixing • Application • Set Time • Full Cure

Working time and cure time describe two very different stages of an epoxy system.

Working time tells you how long you have to work with the material. Cure time tells you how long the chemistry needs to develop its properties.

Understanding the difference matters.

WORKING TIME STARTS WHEN THE COMPONENTS MEET

In a two-part epoxy, combining the resin and hardener begins a chemical reaction.

From that point forward, the clock is running.

Working time—sometimes called pot life—is the period during which the mixed material remains workable enough to apply, spread, shape or manipulate as required.

It is an application window, not an indication that the material has reached full performance.

SET DOESN’T MEAN FULLY CURED

As the reaction progresses, the material begins to harden.

Eventually it reaches an initial set and becomes tack-free or firm enough that it can no longer be worked normally.

But the chemical reaction continues.

A coating that feels hard to the touch may still be developing mechanical strength, adhesion, chemical resistance and other properties.

Hard isn’t necessarily cured.

FULL CURE TAKES TIME

Full cure occurs when the epoxy has progressed sufficiently through its chemical reaction to develop its intended properties.

Depending on the formulation and conditions, that may require hours or days.

This is why putting a repaired surface back into service too early can expose the material before it has developed the properties it was designed to provide.

TEMPERATURE CHANGES THE CLOCK

Epoxy chemistry is temperature dependent.

Warmer conditions generally accelerate the reaction, reducing working time and shortening cure time.

Colder conditions generally slow the reaction, extending both.

Material temperature, substrate temperature and ambient conditions can all influence what happens after the components are mixed.

PLAN THE APPLICATION BEFORE YOU MIX

Once Part A and Part B are combined, working time cannot be put back on the clock.

Before mixing:

Prepare the substrate.

Stage the tools.

Understand the application.

Know the expected working time.

Confirm the environmental conditions.

Then mix.

TIME TO APPLY. TIME TO PERFORM.

Working time gives you the opportunity to properly install the material.

Cure time gives the chemistry the opportunity to develop the properties the system was designed to deliver.

Mix with a plan. Work within the window. Give the chemistry time to finish.

Always refer to the product’s Technical Data Sheet for product-specific working, recoat and cure times.