The present invention relates to a process for preparing a coatings composition with an open time additive comprising the steps of a) contacting an aqueous dispersion of alkali swellable polymer particles with a rheology modifier and a binder to form a coatings composition with a VOC of less than 50 g/L; and b) neutralizing the alkali swellable particles with a non-volatile base after or upon contact with the rheology modifier and the binder to form swelled multi-staged polymer particles; wherein the alkali swellable polymer particles comprise a shell having a Tg of not greater than 25° C. and an acid functionalized core; and wherein the core-to-shell ratio is in the range of from 1:3.2 to 1:10. The composition arising from the process of the present invention is useful for improving open time, especially for low VOC coatings applications.