The results obtained in the development of binders for coating materials and adhesives using dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) or DCPD secondary products are presented. Resin formation was undertaken via polycondensation and free-radical polymerisation in particular. The investigations were highly application-oriented and were aimed at industrial use. DCPD was incorporated via addition and polymerisation mechanisms. The resulting alkyd resins, polyesters and styrene/acrylate copolymers were tested in a large number of paint formulations and in special adhesives. It was found that the binders prepared using dihydrodicyclopentadienyl maleate (DHCM) exhibited particularly advantageous properties. In combination with other resins, they are suitable for air-drying and oven-drying coating materials, and after appropriate modification, water-thinnable resins may be obtained. Oxidatively crosslinking acrylate copolymers can be obtained via the corresponding maleate ester. The use of DCPD/styrene oligomers in alkyd resin synthesis gave binders with a high solids content and good drying times. The description and discussion of the results indicate a number of further practical uses for DCPD, the opportunity for industrial realisation in conventional resin plants being particularly notable.