Self-emulsifying binders have been prepared by reaction of long oil alkyd resins with maleated derivatives of fatty acids. These binders were dispersed in water without use of external surfactants and free from volatile organic compounds. The binders were evaluated based on their performance properties, including penetration and moisture repellency ability against commercial references. According this study, binders with interesting properties have been prepared. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 209-218, 2011