Abstract: Improved ink jet paper coatings which impart high optical density images and excellent water resistance by the incorporation of an amine functional, colloid-stabilized emulsion into the coating formulation. The improvement resides in the use of amine functional monomers, such as 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), which are emulsion copolymerized with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, such as vinyl acetate, in the presence of a large amount of a colloid stabilizing polymer having a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups; preferably, poly(vinyl alcohol).