An aqueous polymeric composition containing select polymeric nanoparticles is provided. The select polymeric nanoparticles contain as polymerized units at least one multiethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one water soluble monomer; and have a mean diameter in the range of from 1 to 50 nanometers. Also provided are aqueous polymeric compositions that further contain second particles such as pigment particles or second polymer particles. The aqueous polymeric composition is useful for preparing coatings having at least one improved property compared to a coating absent the select polymeric nanoparticles. Further, the aqueous polymeric composition is useful for treating wood. A coating prepared from the aqueous polymeric composition is also provided.