[Objective]To prepare stabilized hydroxyacrylic emulsions with high solids and high hydroxyl content.[Methods]Using butyl acrylate(BA)and isooctyl acrylate(EHA)as soft monomers, styrene(St) and methyl methacrylate(MMA) as hard monomers,and hydroxyethyl methacrylate(HEMA)as a functional monomer,we focused on the effects of oil-to-water ratio and emulsifier dosageon the stability of the pre-emulsions through the reactive free-radical emulsion polymerization methodand further explored the effects of the proportion of hydroxyl monomer in the core-shell layer on thegelation rate of the emulsion.[Results]The emulsifier dosage was 1. 5% of the total monomer mass, and the mass ratio of anionic emulsifier to nonionic emulsifier was 2∶1. The stability of the pre-emulsion was excellent when the oil-to-water ratio was 2∶1,and no delamination was observed when it was left to stand for 24 h. When the core-to-shell mass ratio was 1∶1 and the mass ratio of hydroxyl monomer distributed in the core layer to that in the shell layer was 1∶1(a hydroxyl monomer content of approximately 32. 1% in both layers), the polymerization gel rate could be reduced to 0. 048%.[Conclusion]A hydroxy acrylic emulsion with a hydroxyl content of 4. 2% and a solid content of 45% was prepared,and the prepared paint film had a hardness of 2H,a gloss of 85. 7 at 20°,a gloss of 92. 9 at 60°,a short drying time,and good water resistance.