An acrylic emulsion is disclosed. The emulsion comprises from about 30% to about 90% by weight of water, about 10% to about 70% by weight of an acrylic polymer, about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of a emulsifying agent, and up to 20% by weight of an organic solvent. The acrylic polymer contains from about 20% to about 80% by weight of recurring units of t-butyl acrylate or methacrylate. Latex coatings formulated from the acrylic emulsion show significantly improved resistance to moisture and corrosion.