This technical article reports on preliminary tests conducted by the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) on the following resins as possible consolidants for dry and degraded wood: acrylic - Acryloid B66, 67, 72, 82, Dupont, Elvacite 2013, 2044, 2045, 2046; polyvinyl acetate (PVA) - AYAA, AYAC, AYAF; polyvinyl butyral (PVB) - Butvar B72, 76, 78, Union Carbide XYHL, Mowitol B30H, B60H; soluble nylon - Elvamide 8063; and Xylamon LX Hardening. Topics discussed include polymerization, thermosetting resins, commercial polymers, ideal characteristics for consolidants, adhesive properties, mechanical properties (tensile strength, extension, hardness), glass transition temperature, viscosity, toxicity, chalking, reversibility, and moisture (water absorption). References date from 1969-1980. This article is a reference for synthetic resins and for conservation treatments of wood.