SEO / TDS

What is pot life

Pot life is the time during which mixed resin remains practically usable. It is not the time after which the casting is ready for sanding.

TDS and safety

pot life working time cup temperature

In this guide

Quick answer How to approach it in practice Step by step Common mistakes Internal links FAQ

Quick answer

What is pot life

Pot life is the time during which mixed resin remains practically usable. It is not the time after which the casting is ready for sanding.

Technical parameters decide whether a project runs calmly or ends with stickiness, overheating or bubbles.

Read the TDS as a process guide: ratio, temperature, mass, working time, layer thickness and full cure are connected.

How to choose

Do not keep a large mixed portion in the cup longer than needed.
Spreading resin in the mould usually slows heat build-up compared with the cup.
Compare pot life only at the same temperature and sample mass.

Pot life vs gel

Pot life ends before full gel. The mix may still move, but it will not degas or level the same way.

Mass in the cup

More resin in one container means faster heat build-up and shorter practical working time.

Work plan

For large tables, prepare mould, pigments and tools before mixing.

How to approach it in practice

Step by step

01

Start with system limits

First check the thickness and mass the resin is designed for. Product naming does not replace technical data.

02

Compare parameters under the same conditions

Pot life, gel time and curing depend on temperature and sample mass. Comparisons without conditions can mislead.

03

Plan pouring and degassing

Large volumes need time for mixing, pouring, degassing and leak control. Short pot life can be a real limitation.

04

Record technical decisions

Note ratio, temperature, batch, pigment and pour time. If a defect appears, you have data to learn from.

05

Split the project when needed

If layer, mass or temperature exceeds the system comfort zone, staging is safer than fighting exotherm.

Common mistakes

Mistake 1

Confusing pot life with full cure time.

Mistake 2

Mixing weight ratio with volume ratio.

Mistake 3

Ignoring workshop, wood and A+B component temperature.

Mistake 4

Too much resin mass in the cup or mould despite TDS warnings.

Internal links

TDSHow to read a resin TDSParameters without guessing HeatEpoxy resin exothermWhy mass speeds reaction ProcessEpoxy resin curing timeWhen to machine the casting TDS and safetyHow to choose resin for a river tableHow to choose epoxy resin for a river table: pour depth, pot life, exotherm, clarity, UV stability, degassing and wood preparation. TDS and safetyMaximum epoxy resin layer thicknessMaximum epoxy resin layer thickness: why the TDS sets a pour limit, what happens when the pour is too thick and when to split casting into stages. StudioResin databaseExtract parameters from technical data sheets ProductsResin databaseCompare TDS data and pour limits ToolResin calculatorMatch volume with product parameters

Read next

TDS and safetyHow to choose resin for a river tableHow to choose epoxy resin for a river table: pour depth, pot life, exotherm, clarity, UV stability, degassing and wood preparation. TDS and safetyHow to read a resin TDSHow to read an epoxy resin technical data sheet: mixing ratio, pot life, cure time, maximum layer thickness and working conditions. TDS and safetyEpoxy resin curing timeEpoxy resin curing time: the difference between gel, dust-free stage, machining time and full mechanical resistance. TDS and safetyMaximum epoxy resin layer thicknessMaximum epoxy resin layer thickness: why the TDS sets a pour limit, what happens when the pour is too thick and when to split casting into stages. TDS and safetyEpoxy resin exothermEpoxy resin exotherm: why mixed resin heats up, what increases overheating risk and how to plan larger pours safely. StudioResin databaseExtract parameters from technical data sheets ProductsResin databaseCompare TDS data and pour limits ToolResin calculatorMatch volume with product parameters

Next step

Turn TDS into project data

Use the resin database to compare ratios, layer limits and working times before choosing a system.

Open resin database

FAQ

Is pot life the same as cure time?

No. Pot life is working time; curing takes much longer.

Why is practical pot life shorter?

Larger mass, higher temperature and pigments can speed up the reaction.

How can I extend working time?

Work within the recommended temperature, avoid warming components and do not keep a large mass in the cup.