The present invention relates to an alkyd resin composition comprising a. 1-60 wt % of an imide compound according to anyone of formulas Ia, Ib, Ic, Id or Ie wherein R1 is H or a C1-C20 optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R2 and R5 are independently H, or a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group; R3 and R4 are independently H, or a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group; R6 is H or a methyl group; R7 and R8 are independently H, methyl or ethyl; b. 10-40 wt % of an alcohol having a number average hydroxy functionality ≥2.0; c. 30-70 wt % of fatty acids or vegetable oils; d. 0-50 wt % of a mono and/or polyfunctional compound capable of esterification, which compound is different from the compounds used in a, b and c; wherein the wt % is determined relative to the total of weight of compounds a, b, c and d.