The transition from solvent-borne to water-borne systems is an ongoing quest in coatings applications. While water-borne coatings have the advantage of being more environmentally friendly, matching the performance of solvent-borne counterparts is still proving to be a challenge because the latter form highly homogeneous films while dispersions undergo rather complex film formation (Figure 1) . The special emulsion polymerisation technique adopted for the present dispersions utilises in situ formation of a protective colloid. In the first step, dispersion particles are formed, which are then dissolved, either partially or completely. This polymer then acts ...