Resin

As a fairly lightweight, durable material that is relatively cheap – compared to other traditional sculptural materials – it a desirable medium for artists (especially those who want to make multiple versions of a sculpture). Resin can also be painted or glazed to look like stone, bronze or marble.

Resins can be either natural or synthetic. ‘Natural’ resins derive from either plants or insects, whereas ‘synthetic’ resins (e.g. alkyd and acrylic) are manufactured industrially.

They can usually be dissolved in organic solvents to produce a clear solution, although many synthetic resins are produced as dispersions.