The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for replacing biological joints, but applies also to the fixation of any solid implant for use in dental or orthopaedic applications. In general, an ideal amount of bone cement is applied to the implant prior to going in to the operating room. Next, the polymerization (e.g., drying) process is suspended with a coating and/or a chemical. Once the implant(s) are needed in the operating room, the polymerization process is resumed. In this manner, the bone cement does not need to be mixed in the operating room, the surgeon does not need to "race the clock," each implant is placed with the ideal amount of cement in the ideal consistency, there are no powder clumps, and there is little to no excess cement to remove.