Final answer:
Polyester resin in paint acts as a binder that imparts qualities such as gloss and durability, holding pigment in place and forming a resilient film. It contributes to the preservation of the work's appearance and can adhere to various surfaces without cracking or yellowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polyester resin adds several important qualities to a painting. As part of a group of polymers used in modern paints, the polyester resin functions as a binder. This binder is crucial as it forms the film over the surface, holding the pigment in place once the solvent evaporates.
It contributes to properties such as gloss, durability, flexibility, and toughness of the paint. Polyester resin in paints ensures the created film is strong and resistant to environmental factors, which makes it suitable for uses ranging from fine art applications to industrial settings like marine environments and aircraft painting.
In the arts, one can observe the significance of polyester resin in works such as the Executive (1971, polyester resin, fiberglass, oil paint, mixed media with accessories, life-size) by profzucker, where it helps to stabilize and preserve the painting's appearance over time.
Furthermore, its versatility is demonstrated in various mediums, as polyester-based paints can adhere to many different surfaces and maintain their integrity without cracking or yellowing, similar to acrylic paints' durability and water resistance once dry.