Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved high-temperature-gelation-resistant acrylic materials, particularly for use with a polyisocyanate crosslinker in forming low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, curable, oil-in-water emulsions for aqueous coatings. Incorporation of methacrylic acid into copolymers containing COOH and OH groups facilitates the manufacture of low viscosity, low molecular weight, low-VOC acrylic copolymers. Polyols made from methacrylic acid can be maintained at higher temperatures and/or for longer periods of time while maintaining their low viscosities and molecular weights as compared to polyols synthesized from acrylic acid. Low viscosities and molecular weights after polymerization with methacrylic acid comonomers can be maintained at higher temperatures and for longer periods of time than polymers including acrylic acid comonomers, as previously used in the prior art.