Think of it like a loaf of bread. When you first take it out of the oven it is really soft, 30 min later it has cooled, firmed up, and is ready to be cut. Concrete might be another good example... As a side note, did you know some concrete has plasticizers in it just like baits do. It helps keep the concrete more workable for a longer period of time.
Plastic is the same way. Take a bait that you poured yesterday and compare the firmness of it to a bait you just poured. The bait from yesterday will have firmed up and be more durable. As a general rule over night is good (CC Crystal Clear over night is plenty).
If you put your bait in a strange position and let it cure that way it will want to keep that shape. Sometimes we send out samples that we pour that day. When we do this we normally try and put them in the refrigerator for a couple hours (this will accelerate the curing process).
I don't think it matters when you add worm oil or scent to the bait post pouring. Depending on the plastic it is going to change in some way for many years. Some may get harder, loose clarity, get oily, get dry, etc. This is formula specific and honestly probably changes because of raw materials way more than we will ever know.
Good questions!
Jason
