glacial acetic acid is added to the bath to prolong the effective life of the catalyzed emulsion. without acetic acid, pot life is from 1-2 h at 75 F (24 C). acidified, the pot life of the coat≈ 6 h at 75 F (24 C). pot life is lengthened by cooling. for maximum life, the coating bath should be kept at normal room temperature or below.