A multi-stage aqueous emulsion polymer including a first polymer having a calculated Hansch parameter >2.0, the first polymer including 0.5-5 wt. % copolymerized acid monomer, based on the weight of the first polymer, and a second polymer including from zero to less that half the wt. % of acid monomer in the first polymer, based on the weight of the second polymer, the second polymer being from 50% to 85% of the total weight of the first polymer and the second polymer, wherein the difference between the calculated Tgs of the first and the second polymer is from 0° C. to less than 20° C. is provided. Also provided is an aqueous coating composition including the multi-stage emulsion polymer and a method for providing a coating.