An aqueous, radiation-curable, functionalized latex polymer composition and its preparation are disclosed. The composition is a multistaged latex polymer formed from a first stage polymer and a second stage polymer having .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carbonyl functionalization which permits curing by UV radiation. The composition dries tack-free before curing. The final cured UV coating has excellent solvent resistance, water resistance, stain resistance, direct impact resistance and hot print resistance. The composition is useful in coatings, adhesives, inks and leather coatings, and is particularly useful as a coating on wood. The multistaged latex polymer is made by(a) forming a multistage polymer having(1) a first stage polymer; and(2) a second stage polymer comprising at least one comonomer containing acid functionality;(b) partially neutralizing said acid functionality of said second stage polymer of said multistage polymer with a base; and(c) reacting said multistage polymer having partially neutralized acid functionality with a monoethylenically unsaturated epoxide compound.