Nanolatexes comprising functional monomers and methods for making nanolatexes. Compositions comprising between about 3:97 and 90:10 (w/w) nanolatex particles to conventional latex particles. Because of the particle size differences between the conventional and nanolatexes, the nanolatexes may distribute themselves advantageously amongst the conventional latexes during coalescence, resulting in films having unexpected properties. In particular, when the average particle size of the conventional latex is about six times larger than the average particle size of the nanolatex, a composition comprising a ratio of 1 conventional latex particle for every 25 nanolatex particles results in unexpectedly strong (large Young's modulus) and smooth (high specular gloss) films.