The influence of pH, emulsifiers and alkyd properties on the distribution of driers between the alkyd- and water phase in alkyd emulsions has been studied. When the pH in the emulsion is decreased, cobalt and calcium driers are redistributed towards the water phase. However, zirconium was found to remain in the alkyd phase independent of pH. Hydrophilic anionic emulsifiers were found to decrease the amount of cobalt and calcium driers in the alkyd phase. The distribution is not influenced by alkyd properties such as oil length or acid values. The relation between the distribution of driers and drying properties has also been investigated. The results indicate a correlation between the early drying rate and cobalt concentration in the alkyd phase.