What's the difference between pot life and cure time, and can I make it cure faster or slower?
Pot life (a.k.a. work time) is how long you have to mix and pour before the material starts to set. Cure / demold time is how long until it's firm enough to remove. Cure time does not include pot life, the clock to demold starts after pouring.
- To speed up cure: use the matched accelerator. Several systems have one (for example Kick-It for some urethanes), and some lines come in a "Fast" version. These are formulated to shorten cure without changing your mix ratio.
- To slow down (more work time): choose the "Slow" version of the product line, formulated for a longer working window. Platinum silicone can be slowed using Slo-Jo additive.
- Never improvise additives. Use only the accelerator named on that product's TDS. The wrong additive, or too much of the right one, can ruin the cure.
Temperature does affect cure on its own (cold slows it down; heat speeds it up and shortens your pot life), so keep your material and workspace within the range on the TDS. The reliable way to control timing, though, is the accelerator or the Fast/Slow version, not deliberately heating or chilling the material. The temperature and humidity FAQ covers the environmental side.
Don't do this: Adding extra catalyst/Part B to "make it cure faster" usually does the opposite, it throws off the ratio and gives a soft or tacky result. Speed comes from the matched accelerator or a Fast version, not more hardener. Never mix materials off-ratio.
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