An aqueous coating composition comprising a dispersion in an aqueous medium of (i) an acrylic addition polymer, (ii) an acrylic addition polymer having an acid value lower than that of polymer (i), and (iii) a base. The composition may also comprise a cross-linker, such as a polyisocyanate or a melamine resin. Also disclosed are methods for making such aqueous coating compositions and aqueous coating compositions made by such methods.