An unsaturated polyester resin was prepared that was based on the reaction of oligomers obtained from the depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste products, with both maleic anhydride and sebacic acid. The structure of the produced polyester was compared with that prepared from the reaction of dimethyl terephthalate with both maleic anhydride and sebacic acid with IR and NMR spectroscopy. Water-extended polyester resins were prepared from these two polyesters through curing with styrene in the presence of various amounts of water with benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The mechanical properties of the prepared water-extended polyesters, as well as scanning electron microscopy, were investigated. The use of water-extended polyesters based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste for the preparation of decorative art objects and statues was investigated. Therefore, three pharaonic statues representing Tutankhamen, Nefertiti, and a black head of a cat were prepared. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.