Four sets of alkyd resins modified by varying the percentage of tobacco seed oil (TSO) contents were prepared according to the alcoholysis-polyesterification process. The effect of oil contents on properties such as the drying performance, thickness of film, solubility, viscosity and color of the alkyd resins was evaluated. The alkyd with the least oil content was the most rapid drying, most viscous and darkest in color. Also, the prepared alkyds and the commercial alkyds were used separately in the formulation of white gloss paints and the properties of the alkyds were found to be comparable with commercial samples. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.