Abstract: Hydroxylated acrylic copolymers in solid form which are the product of the suspension polymerization containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alcohol chain, hydroxyalkylacrylates or methacrylates, and acrylic or methacrylic acid and contain from 0.5 to 8% free hydroxyl groups and from 0.1 to 5% free carboxyl groups which are capable of reacting with compounds containing reactive groups such as isocyanates or their prepolymers, amines containing--NH--CH.sub.2 OH-- groups or epoxy groups provide improved binders for paints and shellacs used for plastics.