What is Gum Rosin Colophony?
Gum rosin is a material derived from pine trees. In commercial use, the term rosin generally refers to the solid resin obtained after distilling pine oleoresin to remove turpentine oil.
Rosin mainly contains resin acids with abietic-type acids accounting for a significant proportion. It typically ranges in color from light yellow to amber brown is brittle at room temperature and softens when heated.

What is Gum Rosin Used For? – Uses of Gum Rosin – Gum Rosin Applications
The function of gum rosin depends on the formulation in which it is used. In industrial applications, rosin is commonly used to
- improve adhesion;
- increase tack in adhesives;
- improve gloss in paints and printing inks;
- support film formation and pigment binding;
- adjust hardness and softening point;
- improve compatibility between polymers and other formulation components;
- act as a soldering flux by helping remove oxide layers from metal surfaces during heating.
Unmodified rosin is often chemically modified or esterified to obtain properties better suited to specific applications.
Difference Between Rosin and Resin
| Criterion | Rosin | Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Solid pine resin obtained after distilling pine oleoresin to remove turpentine oil | A general term covering a very broad group of natural and synthetic resins |
| Source | Mainly derived from pine trees | May be derived from plants or produced synthetically |
| Main composition | Resin acids, particularly abietic-type and pimaric-type acids | Depends on the resin type epoxy, acrylic, alkyd, hydrocarbon resin, polyester, etc. |
| Properties | Solid, brittle, tacky, and generally more susceptible to oxidation than many synthetic resins | Properties vary widely and can be engineered for specific applications |
| Applications | Adhesives, printing inks, paints, rubber, soldering flux and rosin esters | Paints, adhesives, composites, casting resins, construction materials, electronics and many other applications |
Is Rosin or Resin Better?
Neither is universally better. The better choice depends on the application.
- If good adhesion, tack, bio-based origin and the ability to be modified into ester resins are important, rosin is often a suitable choice.
- If high heat resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance or long-term stability is required, many synthetic resins such as epoxy, acrylic or hydrocarbon resins may perform better.
- In adhesives and printing inks, manufacturers often use rosin esters or modified rosin resins rather than raw rosin because they provide better stability and more controlled performance.
For example
- Glycerol ester of rosin is used as a tackifier, binder or modifier.
- Pentaerythritol ester of rosin generally provides better heat resistance and stability than glycerol ester.
- Hydrocarbon resin often offers better color and thermal stability than raw rosin in many adhesive systems.
Other Names
Gum rosin, colophony, pine rosin.
Gum Rosin HS Code
3806.10.00
Gum Rosin CAS Number
8050-09-7
Where to Buy Gum Rosin
We are a gum rosin supplier in Vietnam supported by modern manufacturing technology and a reliable supply of raw materials.
As a Vietnam gum rosin manufacturer TDG is ready to serve customers worldwide with consistent product quality and dependable supply.
Contact us today via email or WhatsApp for product specifications, quotations and further information.






