A binder for a coating composition is formed using a principal resin polyol, in combination with a hyper-branched polyol as a reactive intermediate, and at least one crosslinker. The principal resin polyol is at least one of a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, and a polyacrylate. Hyper-branched polyester polyols may be used as reactive diluents, which will cross-link with isocyanates, isocyanurates, epoxides, anhydrides or their corresponding polyacids and/or aminoplasts to form a binder having particular properties, to help control the rheology of a coating system. The hyperbranched polyol, the principal resin polyol, or both may, optionally, include a carbamate functional group in the structure thereof. Coating compositions may be made using the binders together with additional components.