The stability of emulsifier-minor emulsion polymerization and the final latices depends on whether water-soluble monomers can be bound to the particle after polymerization, which relies on the hydrophilicity of the water-soluble monomers. Less hydrophilic monomers are apt to be buried in the latex particle, but extremely hydrophilic monomers tend to homopolymerize in the water phase. The suitable hydrophilic index I/O of water-soluble monomers is preferably 3-5. The adhesion power and water resistance of emulsifier-minor latex films are better than that of conventional latex film, but the impact resistance and gloss of the former are poorer. The gloss and water resistance of the emulsifier-minor latex films are relevant to the type of water-soluble monomers. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.