Seeded emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization techniques were applied to prepare latexes based on poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) nanoparticles with potential fast-drying properties due to the presence of chemically bound amino groups on the surface of particles. Several samples with different T(g)s were produced, and the corresponding physical and mechanical properties were compared. Acrylic acid and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate were used in the composition of the polymeric shells to provide electrosteric stability and inducing fast-drying property, respectively. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that average particles size from miniemulsion polymerization was 145 nm and more narrow in size distribution with respect to the emulsion ones with 85 nm in size. Scanning electron microscope micrographs confirmed the results of DLS analysis too. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis thermograms showed a good correspondence of theoretical and experimental T(g)s. Determination of tensile strength and hardness revealed that the polymeric film with T(g) of 35 degrees C from emulsion polymerization could be an appropriate alternative as waterborne binders. Gel permeation chromatography analysis was also used for characterization of the produced latexes. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 276-285, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20223