Abstract: An improved process for preparing acrylate esters, methacrylate esters, polyester acrylates or polyester methacrylates by reacting acrylic or methacrylic acid with a monohydroxy containing compound or a polyhydroxy containing compound in the presence of a catalyst and polymerization inhibitor in a reaction vessel, in the presence or absence of a solvent, under microwave energy as a heating source. Advantages of using microwave energy in place of conventional thermal heating include higher temperatures coupled with shorter residence times, reduced production costs, increased capacity, lower energy costs, effective use of raw materials, and solventless processing which is environmentally friendly.