AbstractThe unique high linoleic acid content of 78% in safflower oil makes it especially suitable to the coatings industry. The high content of linoleic acid, low amount of saturated acids, and absence of linolenic acid constitutes an oil which forms fast‐drying, nonyellowing films that have an excellent through dry and low wrinkling characteristics.More safflower oil is utilized in the manufacture of alkyd resins than any other single nonedible use. The oil alcoholizes rapidly with polyols and heat‐bleaches to very ligh colors in cooking the alkyd resins. These alkyds have the best combination of fast‐drying and nonyellowing properties of any drying oil alkyd of equal oil content.Heat‐bodies safflower oil has uniform polymer structure as shown by its viscosity reduction curves. Heat‐bodied and low viscosity safflower oils are used in exterior house paints. These paints show good through dry, low wrinkling and resistance to dew flatting.Specialty uses for safflower oil include urethane resins, caulks and putties, linoleum and oil emulsion exterior house paints.