Rosin, << ROZ uhn, >> is resin derived from several varieties of North American and European pine trees. It ranges in color from pale yellow to dark brown and dark red. There are three main types of rosin. Gum rosin is produced by distilling resin collected from living trees. The crude resin is obtained from the trees by making lengthwise cuts in them. The resin then flows from the cuts. Wood rosin is extracted from tree stumps with the use of solvents. Sulfate rosin, also called tall oil rosin, is a by-product of the manufacture of wood pulp.
Rosin has many industrial uses. For example, it is used with other substances to size (coat) paper. The sizing helps keep the paper from absorbing moisture. Rosin is also used in the preparation of paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, and printing inks.
Rosin is sometimes used to make smooth surfaces less slippery. Such athletes as baseball pitchers, bowlers, golfers, and tennis players sometimes squeeze a rosin bag, a small cloth bag filled with powdered rosin, to improve their grip. Musicians rub rosin on the ribbon of hair that is attached to the bows they use to play stringed instruments.
