Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.