What Does
Pot Life Mean?
Pot life is the length of time in which multiple part coatings or paints can be applied to a surface. Pot life begins when the mixing is complete, and ends when the mix is unsuitable for application or has set. Pot life can be used to refer to any mixture that increases in viscosity as time passes.
Pot life is also known by a few other names, including gel time, usable life and working life. These terms do have subtle differences from pot life though. The term pot life stems from the amount of time a mixture can sit in a container (pot). Components that are not cured by other materials but by other means such as ultraviolet light are considered to have an infinite pot life.
Corrosionpedia Explains Pot Life
Pot life is a very important consideration when applying coatings to a material's surface. If the mixture is mixed inadequately and the pot life never even begins then the coating could fail. On the other hand, if the mixture has been left to rest too long and the pot life has expired then the coating could also fail. Care must be taken to ensure that the proper amounts of mixture components are added and that the pot life of the mixture is not allowed to expire.