Alkyd Resin Characteristics Applicable to Wood Finishes

An alkyd resin may be described chemically as a combination of a polybasic acid with a polyhydric alcohol. Specifically, polybasic acids include phthalic and maleic anhydrides and fumaric acid; polyhydric alcohols include the various glycols, glycerin, and pentaerithrytol. Generally, alkyd resins are modified with oils, oil fatty acids, and other similar materials. With these components, a wide range of resins may be made by varying the proportions of the ingredients, the type of oils, and the processing conditions. Alkyd resins utilizing the glycols are normally non-drying or extremely slow drying resins. In general, oil-modified alkyd resins take on the characteristics and properties of the modifying oil. Thus, linseed oil modified resins have excellent drying properties, while resins made with coconut and castor oil are non-drying. Soya bean oil modified resins have much better color retention than do linseed oil resins. Alkyd resins have many desirable characteristics which are utilized in finishes for wood surfaces for both protection and decoration. Among these are durability beyond that of other surface coatings, fast and positive drying rates, excellent initial color and gloss, and the ability to preserve these factors over long periods of service. They possess sufficient resistance to water, chemicals, and solvents for normal conditions and exposures. Many examples are given of the uses of alkyd resins such as on lumber surfaces, furniture, sealers on plywood, and finishing of hardboards and softboards.

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