The effect of the amount of triethanolamine zirconium isopropyloxide chelate in acrylate terpolymer soap-free hydrosol on the properties of hydrosol and its film was studied. The addition of the chelate increased the hydrosol viscosity to 20 mPas and improved the hydrosol film water resistance; the water uptake was reduced-to 0.6%, and the hydrosol still retained good resolubility. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.