PROTECTIVE COATINGS Soybean oil is used in the production of alkyd resins that are, in turn, a primary constituent of so-called oil-based or solvent-borne paints. Paints and coatings are used to protect and decorate a wide variety of finished goods made from a variety of materials including woods, metals and plastics. Meeting this diversity of needs requires an assortment of formulations, both liquid and powder coatings.