The present invention provides multilayer polymer redispersible powder (RDP) particles comprising a major proportion of from 50 to 90 wt. %, preferably, from 60 to 85 wt. %, based on total polymer solids, of epoxy resin resins having a calculated glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 0 to 40° C., a methacrylic acid containing alkali soluble polymer outer layer, and a divalent metal, such as zinc powder, having an aqueous pKa of 9.55 or more, or its acid salt having a pH of 7.0 or less, such as strong acid salts, e.g., chlorides, sulfates or phosphates, or organic acid salts, e.g., acetates, succinates and citrates, as well as to methods of making the same.