A thermoplastic resin prepared by polymerizing acrylic acid (C 3 H 4 O 2 ) or methacrylic acid (C 4 H 6 O 2 ), or a derivative of either, especially an ester, e.g., methyl methacrylate. One such acrylic resin, polymethyl acrylate, which is a tough rubbery material, is used, usually as manufactured in emulsion form, for textile and leather finishes, lacquers, and pressure sensitive adhesives, and as a mixture with clay to coat papers used in high gloss printing