Abstract: A modified acrylic copolymer obtained by modifying an epoxy groups-containing copolymer by a carboxyl group-containing polycycloaliphatic substance having at least two cycles and a refractive index at 20.degree. C. of at least 1.460 as well as the use for lacquers with higher gloss.

Abstract: A microgel obtained by polymerizing in aqueous phase a monomer blend comprising at least one ethylenic monofunctional compound, selected from the group consisting of vinylic compounds, alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates and vinyl acetate, and at least one ethylenic di- or multifunctional compound, selected from the group consisting of diacrylates, triacrylates and/or (meth)acrylates of polyfunctional alcohols, in the presence of a polycondensation product of a polycarboxylic acid, polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, hydroxypolycarboxylic acid and/or polyhydroxypolycarboxylic acid with a polyol, and its use for aqueous or solvent-containing coating compositions, in particular for aqueous or solvent-containing base coats, effect base coats or clear coat systems in the motorcar industry.