Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing aqueous emulsions of resins and additives, to provide coating compositions and additives which maintain solvent-like application and performance properties yet have reduced volatile organic content. The compositions and additives contain an organic phase, an aqueous phase, and an emulsifier. The emulsifier is preferably a polyolefin aminoester, a substituted alkanolamine, or a mixture thereof, a polyalkylene glycol ether, or an orange oil emulsifier. The compositions of the invention are particularly useful as coatings and coating additives that are applied to substrates, such as wood and plastics.