The intention of this article is to provide further information on the chemical and physical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol), which is being increasingly used in restoration. The influence of the molecular weight on the viscosity and the degree of hydrolysis on the physical properties is discussed. Its excellent solubility in water and insolubility in most organic solvents gives it a particular place among the synthetic resins. Although the stability, especially in the presence of salts or at high temperature is not always ideal, poly(vinyl alcohol) can be considered a good adhesive for porous and hydrophilic materials.