Resin vs. Acrylic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 3, 2023
Resin is a natural or synthetic compound that hardens with treatment, while acrylic is a synthetic material derived from acrylic acid. Resins can be organic; acrylics are always man-made.
Difference Between Resin and Acrylic
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Resin is a term that describes both natural and synthetic substances that can convert into polymers; they are often used in the creation of plastics and adhesives. Acrylic, on the other hand, refers specifically to materials made from acrylic acid, including polymers like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly used in paints and transparent plastic.
Resins have a varied composition, as they can be derived from plant sources (like pine sap) or created synthetically; they are typically viscous substances that harden upon curing. Acrylics are always synthetic and are noted for their clarity and resistance to weathering and are often utilized in applications that require transparency and durability.
The versatility of resin is notable, with its uses ranging from art to construction and electronics. Acrylic, being a specific type of resin, is more narrowly defined but is extensively used in the manufacture of products like plexiglass, where clear, sturdy material is essential.
When it comes to environmental impact and safety, resins can vary widely, with some being more eco-friendly or less toxic than others. Acrylics are generally safe for various uses, although their production involves chemicals that can be harmful if not managed properly.
The term "resin" can sometimes encompass acrylics, as acrylic is a type of resin, but not all resins are acrylics. Acrylics are best known for their role in making products like acrylic glass and acrylic paint, signifying their specific applications in the plastics and art industries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Can be natural or synthetic
Always synthetic
Types
Epoxy, polyester, polyurethane
PMMA, Acrylic latex
Transparency
Varies widely
Generally very clear
Uses
Adhesives, coatings, art
Plastic sheets, lenses, paints
Durability
Depends on type; can degrade with UV exposure
Highly durable and UV resistant
Compare with Definitions
Resin
An organic secretion from plants, often aromatic;
The resin from the pine tree was fragrant and sticky.
Acrylic
Fiber or fabric made from polymer fibers;
The sweater was made of soft, warm acrylic.
Resin
A viscous substance that hardens to form a polymer;
Tree sap resin was used to create a natural glue.
Acrylic
Dental materials made for dentures and orthodontic appliances;
The new dentures were crafted from a high-grade acrylic.
Resin
A synthetic compound used in plastics and adhesives;
The table's surface was coated with a clear epoxy resin for durability.
Acrylic
A paint made with pigment suspended in acrylic polymer;
She preferred acrylic for its quick-drying properties.
Resin
In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Resins are usually mixtures of organic compounds.
Acrylic
A transparent plastic material also known as plexiglass;
The acrylic windows were shatter-resistant and clear.
Resin
A sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (notably fir and pine)
Clear resin had oozed to the surface, trickled down, and set
Acrylic
Adhesives derived from acrylic acid;
The acrylic adhesive was perfect for bonding the glass panels.
Resin
A solid or liquid synthetic organic polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products
Epoxy resins frequently cause dermatitis
The chassis is constructed of synthetic resin
Acrylic
(of synthetic resins and textile fibres) made from polymers of acrylic acid or acrylates
A red acrylic jumper
Resin
Rub or treat with resin
Resined canvas
Acrylic
An acrylic textile fibre
A sweater in four-ply acrylic
Resin
Any of numerous clear to translucent yellow or brown, solid or semisolid, viscous substances of plant origin, such as copal, rosin, and amber, used principally in lacquers, varnishes, inks, adhesives, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Resins are usually insoluble in water.
Acrylic
An acrylic paint
Washes of white acrylic
She paints mainly in acrylics
Resin
Any of numerous physically similar polymerized synthetics or chemically modified natural resins including thermoplastic materials such as polyvinyl, polystyrene, and polyethylene and thermosetting materials such as polyesters, epoxies, and silicones that are used with fillers, stabilizers, pigments, and other components to form plastics.
Acrylic
An acrylic resin.
Resin
To treat or rub with resin.
Acrylic
A paint containing acrylic resin.
Resin
A viscous hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees.
Acrylic
A painting done in acrylic resin.
Resin
Any of various yellowish viscous liquids or soft solids of plant origin; used in lacquers, varnishes and many other applications; chemically they are mostly hydrocarbons, often polycyclic.
Acrylic
Any of numerous synthetic fibers polymerized from acrylonitrile.
Resin
Any synthetic compound of similar properties.
Acrylic
(organic chemistry) Derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile.
Resin
(transitive) To apply resin to.
Acrylic
Containing an acrylic resin.
Resin
Any one of a class of yellowish brown solid inflammable substances, of vegetable origin, which are nonconductors of electricity, have a vitreous fracture, and are soluble in ether, alcohol, and essential oils, but not in water; specif., pine resin (see Rosin).
Acrylic
(organic chemistry) An acrylic resin.
Resin
Any of various polymeric substance resembling the natural resins[1], prepared synthetically; - they are used, especially in particulate form, in research and industry for their property of specifically absorbing or adsorbing substances of particular types; they are especially useful in separation processes such as chromatography; as, an ion-exchange resin.
Acrylic
(painting) A paint containing an acrylic resin.
When it comes to painting, I prefer using acrylics as my medium.
Resin
Any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
Acrylic
A painting executed using such a paint.
Resin
A material in composite manufacturing for its bonding properties;
Carbon fibers were bound together using a strong resin.
Acrylic
A thick sheet of plastic.
Resin
A casting material popular in jewelry and art;
The artist poured colored resin into molds to make decorative pieces.
Acrylic
A liquid coating system based on an acrylic resin.
Acrylic
Of or containing acryl, the hypothetical radical of which acrolein is the hydride; as, acrylic acid. The characteristic residue in an acrylic compound is the carbonyl group attached directly to an ethylenic carbon.
Acrylic
Same as acrylic resin.
Acrylic
Same as acrylic fiber.
Acrylic
A paint in which the pigment is suspended in a solution of an acrylic resin, which dries to a hard film on exposure to air.
Acrylic
A painting made using an acrylic paint.
Acrylic
Polymerized from acrylonitrile
Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
Acrylic
Used especially by artists
Acrylic
A synthetic fabric
Common Curiosities
How is acrylic typically used?
Acrylic is used in products like plexiglass, lenses, and acrylic paint.
Is acrylic environmentally friendly?
Acrylic production involves chemicals; however, it is durable and recyclable under the right conditions.
Can resin be used outdoors?
Yes, some resins are suitable for outdoor use but may require UV stabilizers to prevent degradation.
What is resin commonly used for?
Resin is used for making adhesives, coatings, and in composite materials for construction and art.
Can acrylic be molded?
Yes, acrylic can be easily molded and shaped when heated.
Are all resins the same?
No, resins vary widely in composition and properties, from natural tree sap to synthetic polymers.
Are acrylic paints toxic?
Most acrylic paints are non-toxic, but it's important to use them in well-ventilated areas.
Is resin waterproof?
Many synthetic resins are waterproof once cured, making them ideal for various applications.
Can acrylic be recycled?
Yes, acrylic can be recycled, though the process is more complex than for other plastics.
Can you color resin?
Yes, resins can be colored with dyes and pigments during the mixing process.
Are acrylic products shatterproof?
Acrylic is shatter-resistant, but not completely shatterproof.
Is resin biodegradable?
Natural resins can biodegrade, but synthetic resins typically do not and require proper disposal.
How long does resin take to cure?
Cure times for resin vary widely, from minutes to hours, depending on the type and conditions.
Is acrylic safe for food contact?
Food-grade acrylic is safe for food contact, though not all acrylic products meet these standards.
What's the difference between resin and plastic?
Resin is a raw material that can be turned into plastic; not all plastics are made from resins.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Academy vs. Academia
Next Comparison
Primer vs. PrimmerAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
