The present invention provides fast-drying aqueous compositions that lower the cost of making roadway markings without impairing the quality or appearance of the markings made therewith. The aqueous compositions comprise one or more hollow core binder having an average particle size of from 200 to 500 nanometers (nm), preferably from 300 to 470 nm, and made of a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 50.degree. C. or more and containing one or more void, the first polymer being substantially encapsulated by one or more second polymer having a Tg of -30.degree. C. or more, preferably, -20.degree. C. or more. Fast-drying aqueous compositions may be one component or two component compositions. One component compositions comprise one or more volatile base, one or more polyfunctional amine, and one or more hollow core binder with a second polymer chosen from, for example, an anionically stabilized emulsion polymer, a polyamine functional polymer, a polymer having strong pendant cationic groups containing and mixtures thereof. The polyfunctional amine can be part of the hollow core binder. Two component compositions comprise one or more aqueous hollow core binder and an absorber component. The present invention also provides coatings and roadway markings made from the fast-drying aqueous compositions.