Abstract: An aqueous water repellent composition comprising the reaction product of one or more of a carboxylic acid or anhydride containing from 3 to 22 carbon atoms and a polyfunctional aromatic or aliphatic amine or substituted amine containing from 2 to 25 carbon atoms and a water soluble metal complex crosslinking agent containing one or more metals selected from Groups Ia, IIa, IIla, IVa and the first and second rows of transition metals from the Periodic Table of Elements. The composition may contain wax and is dispersed in water to form a water repellent system.