The invention relates to hardeners for water-based epoxy resin systems providing a longer resin pot life, incorporating particular compounds (F) and being obtainable by (i) reacting a mixture of (A) at least one epoxidized polyalkylene oxide (A), (B) at least one epoxidized aromatic hydroxy compound (B); (C) at least one aromatic hydroxy compound (C); and (D) optionally, at least one di- or tri-glycidyl ether compound (D), to form a first intermediate product (Z1) having an epoxy value of less than 10%; (ii) reacting the intermediate product (Z1) with a polyamine (E) to form a second intermediate product (Z2); and (iii) reacting the intermediate product (Z2) with a compound (F) selected from (a) monofunctional epoxy compounds, and (b) glycidyl ethers of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The resin mixtures have pot lives in excess of one hour and, after curing, provide clear floor coatings with less than 3% shrinkage.