The glass transition temperature of polyvinyl acetate is between 30 and 45 °C depending on the molecular weight.

PVAc dispersions such as Elmer's Glue-All contain polyvinyl alcohol as a protective colloid.

In alkaline conditions, boron compounds such as boric acid or borax cause the polyvinyl alcohol to cross-link, forming tackifying precipitates or toys, such as Slime and Flubber.

Most commonly, damage is caused by filamentous fungi; however, algae, yeasts, lichens, and bacteria can also degrade polyvinyl acetate.

Uses: The stiff homopolymer PVAc, but mostly the softer copolymer, a combination of vinyl acetate and ethylene, vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE), is also used in paper coatings, paint and other industrial coatings, as a binder in nonwovens in glass fibers, sanitary napkins, filter paper and in textile finishing.