The effect of organic solvents on the internal stress and evaporation process, and hence on film formation, was examined. The type and concentration of coalescents influence the type of internal stress, mainly due to the plasticizing effectiveness and the molecular structure of each solvent. The techniques used will be of value in the characterization of solvents and formulation of latex coatings. See also <i>AATA</i> <b>Vol. 20, Abstract No. 1942,</b> PARIS No. 78484 for related study. -- AATA