By Dana Kim, Crypto Markets Analyst
Last updated: April 25, 2026

Paraloid B-72: The Surprising Polymer Revolutionizing Crypto Assets

While the cryptocurrency market grapples with massive volatility—with Bitcoin fluctuating 60% from its all-time high—an unexpected player is poised to transform the future of asset preservation in the digital realm. Enter Paraloid B-72, a polymer originally designed for physical conservation, which is now being evaluated for its applications in safeguarding digital tokens. Surprisingly, this polymer has a proven 50-year track record in preserving artifacts, pointing to a future where the stability offered by B-72 could change the narrative around crypto asset security.

What Is Paraloid B-72?

Paraloid B-72 is an acrylic resin that has established its credentials in the field of conservation, particularly for artworks and historical artifacts. With applications ranging from the protection of invaluable pieces in museums to experimental uses in crypto art, B-72 is now being considered a crucial material for ensuring digital asset longevity. Its relevance stems from growing concerns over the accessibility and preservation of digital assets amidst market turbulence. Consider it akin to a cast-iron safe for your digital treasures—designed not only to hold but to protect.

How Paraloid B-72 Works in Practice

Across various sectors, Paraloid B-72 is being integrated into both the preservation of physical artwork and experimentations with digital assets.

1. Smithsonian Institution: The Smithsonian has long utilized Paraloid B-72, with conservators reporting on its effectiveness in protecting delicate pieces. According to the American Institute for Conservation, 90% of conservators recommend its use for preservation, underscoring the material’s high trustworthiness.

2. 3M Company: Exploring innovative applications in digital asset protection, 3M is developing coatings that incorporate Paraloid B-72 to create enhanced displays for digital art. As the market for art preservation materials is projected to grow 6.5% annually, 3M’s investments could leverage this polymer innovation toward cryptocurrency, potentially altering market strategies highlighted in discussions about how Needle’s 26M model could dominate the next phase of crypto tools.

3. Refik Anadol: The prominent media artist has begun integrating Paraloid B-72 into his interactive art installations. By doing so, he’s marrying digital experiences with tangible protections, creating a footprint of physicality in the ephemeral world of crypto art. This innovative use redefines audience engagement while ensuring the art maintains its aesthetic integrity over time.

4. International Council of Museums (ICOM): ICOM has undertaken experimentation with Paraloid B-72 for preserving digital artifacts, recognizing the material’s potential for stabilizing NFT displays under diverse conditions. Their findings pave the way for additional institutional applications that could influence market perceptions of digital asset preservation, aligning with the emerging trends forecasted in three surprising trends shaping the future of crypto in 2023.

Top Tools and Solutions for Preservation

In light of increasing interest in crypto asset preservation, tools and platforms can leverage the Paraloid B-72 concept or similar innovative materials:

Trainual — Business playbook and employee training platform.
HighLevel — All-in-one sales funnel, CRM, and automation platform for agencies and entrepreneurs.
Uniqode — QR code generator and digital business card platform.
Bouncer — Email verification and list cleaning service.
Accelerated Growth Studio — Growth marketing platform for scaling businesses.
SaneBox — AI email management and inbox organization tool.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Despite the advantages, some institutions and individuals have misstepped regarding the use of Paraloid B-72 or similar materials, leading to detrimental outcomes.

1. Neglecting Proper Application Techniques: The Getty Museum, in a bid to quickly restore pieces, failed to follow B-72 application protocols. As a result, several artworks exhibited irregular curing, leading to unsatisfactory finishes and immediate degradation.

2. Underestimating Environmental Factors: A renowned gallery used Paraloid B-72 under improper climatic conditions, leading to unexpected reactions with the materials used in their artworks. This oversight compromised the integrity of their displays, reflecting the importance of thorough environmental assessments.

3. Ignoring Compatibility with Other Materials: An art conservator attempted to use Paraloid B-72 with incompatible mediums, resulting in a lack of adhesion and the peeling of protective layers. This mistake highlights the crucial importance of understanding material interactions.

Where This Is Heading

The future of digital asset preservation is forming a clear trajectory for the incorporation of advanced materials like Paraloid B-72. Several trends signal how these innovations will shape the landscape:

1. Merger of Art and Technology: As organizations like 3M and cultural institutions delve deeper into preserving digital assets, we should expect a marked expansion in the artistic domain. The introduction of high-durability materials should increasingly safeguard NFTs and digital art installations, leading to higher valuations based on their longevity and visibility.

2. Growth in the Asset Preservation Market: With art preservation materials expected to reach $5 billion globally by 2025, the conversation surrounding the utility of polymers extends into the crypto sphere. The need for digital asset insurance will begin to align with these traditional discussions around physical assets.

3. Increased Awareness and Demand: There is a growing recognition of asset preservation across sectors. As the volatility of cryptocurrencies continues, traders and digital investors will seek robust methodologies for safeguarding their investments, rendering B-72 and similar materials highly relevant over the next 12 months.

This means for investors and developers: as Paraloid B-72 gains traction, those who understand the financial implications of material stability in an unpredictable market will have a competitive edge.

FAQ

Q: What is Paraloid B-72?
A: Paraloid B-72 is an acrylic resin used primarily for the conservation of artworks and artifacts. This versatile polymer is now gaining attention for its potential applications in safeguarding digital assets.

Q: How can I use Paraloid B-72 for digital assets?
A: To use Paraloid B-72 for digital asset preservation, apply it as a protective coating on digital displays or art installations. Ensure that proper application techniques are followed for optimal results.

Q: How does Paraloid B-72 compare to other preservation materials?
A: Paraloid B-72 is favored for its long-term stability and effectiveness in protecting sensitive materials, especially when compared to less durable alternatives like standard acrylics or epoxy resins.

Q: What is the cost of Paraloid B-72?
A: Paraloid B-72 typically costs around $100 for a 500g container, making it a reasonable investment for institutions focused on asset preservation.

Q: What are some advanced techniques for implementing Paraloid B-72?
A: Advanced techniques include using specific dilution ratios for different substrates and applying multiple layers for enhanced protection, adjusting the method to the particular conditions of the artwork or digital asset.

Q: What common mistakes should I avoid when using Paraloid B-72?
A: Common mistakes include neglecting to follow application protocols, underestimating climate impacts on the polymer, and failing to test for material compatibility, all of which can compromise asset integrity.

Q: What trends are shaping the future of crypto asset preservation?
A: Trends include the increasing merger of technology and art, a growing market for asset preservation, and heightened awareness among investors regarding the importance of safeguarding digital assets.

Q: What is the best resource for understanding digital asset preservation?
A: A great resource is institutional research from organizations like ICOM, which explores innovative materials in digit asset preservation, alongside academic publications on polymer characteristics and applications.