An acrylic composition includes the reaction product of an acrylic
polymer, a carbamate having anhydride-reactive functionality and
carbamate functionality, and a carboxylic acid anhydride that is reactive
with the carbamate to form a carboxylic acid carbamate. The acrylic
polymer includes the reaction product of a functionalized monomer, a
first compound reactive with the functionalized monomer to form a
functionalized intermediate, and a highly branched, polyfunctional core
molecule reactive with the functionalized intermediate. The first
compound includes vinyl functionality reactive with the functionalized
monomer and epoxy functionality. The carboxylic acid carbamate has the
carbamate functionality and carboxylic acid functionality that is
reactive with the acrylic polymer. The acrylic composition is
highly-branched and, when used in coating compositions in combination
with a suitable cross-linking agent, enhances recoat adhesion and
produces cured films that have optimum scratch, mar, and chip
performance, and acid etch resistance.