A process for the preparation of polymer latex particles comprising:(a) conducting a pre-reaction emulsification which comprises emulsification of the polymerization reagents of monomer, polar comonomer, water, surfactant, chain transfer agent, and initiator, and wherein said emulsification is accomplished at a low temperature of from about 3.degree. to about 35.degree. C.; and(b) accomplishing an emulsion polymerization, which comprises heating the emulsified mixture of (a) in a reactor at from about 25.degree. to about about 125.degree. C. and retaining the contents of the reactor for an effective time period at said temperature of from about 25.degree. to about about 12.degree. C., followed by cooling.