Plastics have long made our lives easier as a material used in almost every aspect of our daily lives. You can find types of plastic in every room of your house but have probably overlooked the prevalence of this simple substance. One particular kind plastic, polyresins, are especially durable and moldable and are commonly used in patio furniture, like resin benches, in art, as statues and figurines and as household accessories.
What is Polyresin?
In its basic form, polyresin is a compound mixture of plastic (polymer) and resin. Resin is a term used to describe any number of nonvolatile solid to semi-solid substances derived from certain plants, including types of pine. When heated together they create a malleable material.
There are also many additives that can change the strength, weight, look, etc. of the compound. Polyresin looks similar to fiberglass in appearance but is a more flexible material that also closely resembles PVC piping. Some materials are even just covered with a polyresin coating to further ensure durability.
Why is Polyresin a good choice?
Polyresins, like other types of plastic, are some of the cheaper options when it comes to manufactured materials. Resin benches are almost as durable as heavier wood and metal benches, but come with a much lower price tag. At the same time, many plastic products are now made from recycled materials so there is less waste.
Polyresin is popular for one because of how flexible it is when heated. It can easily be molded into a variety of shapes, that, once dry, are nearly indestructible. One kind of polyresin is called alabastrite. This compound actually integrates ground stone material, so it’s more popular as a sculpting material like ceramics than in something like resin benches. Alabastrite can easily be molded into candleholders and other ornaments and gives the appearance of stone while being cheaper and more lightweight.
Another benefit is that polyresin isn’t susceptible to color loss since the coloration is even throughout, but if the factory coating starts to grow dull in appearance, the plastic takes particularly well to spray painting so you can breathe new life into resin benches without much effort.
For use in crafts, polyresin can be purchased in blocks for carving and other projects. In heated form, the plastic can be mixed with metallic tints and paint flecks for different looks and finishes. Especially in commercial use, manufacturers like the material for how much detail can be applied when molded and with a consistent texture to match.
In furniture, resins are valued because of their ability to hold up in most kinds of weather. Polyresin is waterproof and strong, able to withstand rain, snow, sun and most any weather condition aside from extremely cold temperatures. It will never rot like wood furniture or rust like metal and is easy to clean, easy to store and available in a wide variety of styles.
Resin benches and other polyresin products are just another example of how plastics will continue to enrich our lives while protecting the environment by replacing non-renewable resources like lumber.