Boat Paint Sealant
Life of a Resin Chair: The Great History of Resin
So you have decided that resin chairs are what you need to complete your patio. You've found the perfect style, the perfect color, and the perfect set to bring everything together. But do you know why resin is the perfect choice for you? Sure, it has a plastic-type feel, it cleans up very well, and it resists dirt and the elements very well. But what is your resin furnishings made of? Do you know why it fits perfectly, and why it can be a environmentally friendly choice?
Resin chars are made out of (you guessed it) resin! But what is resin? Resin is a naturally occurring compound that is extracted out of the sap of plants and trees, such as pine. It starts out as a very viscous liquid, that is very wet and malleable to the touch at first. But as time passes, the liquid begins to harden - turning quickly from a liquid to a solid. As it hardens, the sap becomes brown in color, eventually hardening.
So what were these resins originally used for? Primitive man did not have a need necessarily for resin chairs, but they certainly used it for everything from sealing their boats, to mummifying their loved ones. As our refining processes have gotten better over time, resin has been used as a key ingredient in varnish, lacquers, and other sealants. Resin has also been used as a finalizing ingredient in inks and perfumes.
However, resins have not always been quite a benefit to mankind - and primitive resins certainly weren't used as chair ingredients! Some resins contain hydrocarbons, which are flammable, and subject to explosion! Misidentifying a tree could be a major mistake for the first chemists, as what was thought to be a sealant could end up being an explosive device by accident!
As time progressed, and scientific methods improved, man found new causes for resins, eventually leading to the resin chair that we all know and love today. As technology improved, man realized that resins could be formulated out of the right combinations of chemicals. These were called polymers, and eventually lead to the discovery of synthetic resins, the base ingredients of resin chairs.
Why did man create synthetic resins, instead of harvesting it from trees? Simply put, synthetic resins are more stable than plant resins, and are more predictable and uniform as well. Resins created in a lab will retain their color better and longer, and can be made to be a better sealant than plant-based resins - without the fear of getting the wrong one and causing an explosion. Believe it or not, resins today are used in the production of many household items you use and love today - from plastics and paints, and even lacquer and varnish. Yes, resins are used in the creation of resin chairs.
Resin has been one of man's favorite compounds for thousands of years. Over time, we have learned how to harness it for our benefit for many of our favorite items. And now that you know its illustrious history, you'll be able to enjoy your resin chair even more during those long summer days.
About the Author
Joseph Kortez is a freelance writer with diverse interests including home and garden, outdoor furniture and backyard living. A media professional, his work has been featured on CNN and the CBS Evening News. He currently writes for
Outdoor Furniture Plus
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Filed under Accessories & Gear by on Dec 4th, 2010. Comment. 
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