Polyester and Polyresin statues
When browsing our collection, you may notice that we sometimes offer what appears to be the same statue at different price points. For many collectors, this raises a logical question: why does one statue cost more than the other?
In most cases, the answer lies in quality and rarity. A crucial—but often overlooked—factor is the material from which the statue is made. Two statues that look identical at first glance may be produced from very different materials: polyester or polyresin. This distinction has a significant impact on production period, durability, weight, and collectible value.
Production period and rarity
Many of the larger statues in our collection were originally produced during the 1980s and early 1990s. These statues were predominantly made from polyester. From the mid-1990s onward, manufacturers gradually shifted towards polyresin, mainly due to efficiency and cost considerations.
As a result, polyester statues are often older and rarer, which can increase their desirability and market value. Polyresin statues, while still collectible, were produced in larger quantities and are therefore more commonly found.
What is Polyester?
Polyester can best be described as a layered mesh structure. During production, the artist applies multiple layers of polyester by hand into a two-part mold (left and right side of the statue). With each layer, the structure becomes stronger and more rigid.
Once both halves have cured, they are carefully joined together and finished by hand. After the structure is complete, every statue is painted manually. While the mold ensures a consistent shape, the hand-painted finish means that no two polyester statues are exactly the same.
This artisanal process makes polyester statues highly appreciated by collectors who value craftsmanship, age, and uniqueness.
What is Polyresin?
Polyresin is best described as a plastic-based compound. It starts as a liquid and hardens into a solid form, making it highly suitable for mass production. This production method is more cost-effective and allows for greater consistency in design.
Polyresin statues are generally heavier and more solid than polyester statues. Although many polyresin statues are also painted by hand, the overall finish tends to be more uniform. Minor differences in paint can still occur, but less so than with polyester statues.
Similarities between polyester and polyresin
Despite their differences, polyester and polyresin statues share several important characteristics.
Hand-painted finishes
Both materials are typically finished by hand, which means color variations are always possible. These variations can be caused by differences in paint batches, painting techniques, or even storage conditions over time.
Sensitivity to storage conditions
Proper storage is essential for both polyester and polyresin statues. Exposure to temperature fluctuations, excessive heat, or cold can cause cracks, fractures, or structural damage. Polyresin statues are especially prone to surface crackling when stored under poor conditions.
Restoration and long-term care
Because of these vulnerabilities, restoration is sometimes unavoidable, especially for older or improperly stored statues. However, restoration should always be approached with caution and preferably carried out by a professional, as incorrect restoration can negatively impact both the appearance and value of a collectible.
Restoration and long-term care
While polyester and polyresin statues may look identical at first glance, the differences in material, production period, rarity, and craftsmanship are substantial. Polyester statues are generally older, rarer, and more artisanal, whereas polyresin statues offer consistency and durability through modern production techniques.
Understanding these differences not only helps explain price variations, but also allows collectors to make more informed decisions when expanding their collection.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only. The condition, value, and durability of a statue depend on multiple factors, including age, material, storage history, and previous restorations. If you have questions about a specific statue, feel free to contact us for tailored advice.
