This invention relates to waterbone coating compositions having improved compatability with metal pigments, i.e., improved shelf life and reduced gassing and gellation. The composition comprise at least one aqueous dispersion of (1) at least one emulsion copolymer polymerized from (a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomer and (b) at least one other olefinically unsaturated monomer, said copolymer being made using at least one phosphate surfactant having at least one phosphorus acid group or salt thereof, said copolymer being crosslinked, and (2) at least one non-water soluble metal pigment. The compositions are useful in paints and other coatings.