Acrylic resin


An Acrylic resin is a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substance derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other related compounds. One example is polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, which makes a crosslinked polymer when treated with polyisocyanates. Such materials are a useful component in some paints.

Advantages as an ingredient in paint

Acrylic resin is a common ingredient in latex paint. Interior and exterior latex paints with a greater proportion of acrylic resin, versus vinyl, offer better stain protection, greater water resistance, better adhesion, greater resistance to cracking and blistering, and resistance to alkali cleaners. Acrylic resin is considered extremely weatherproof. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications. In solid form acrylic resin can last for decades. It does not yellow when exposed to sunlight, even after many years. Acrylic resins are the materials which when added to latex increases its gloss properties, mechanical properties i.e. scratch resistance, and improves the gloss compared to vinyl-only resin.

Microbial degradation

-producing Cladosporium fungi damaged dried acrylic resin samples in the Milan cathedral.