The present invention pertains to a process for the preparation of aqueous dispersions which are stabilized with a water-insoluble stabilizing colloid, characterized in that a) in a first step a water-insoluble stabilizing colloid is prepared, with this being prepared, based on the amount of monomer used for the preparation of the stabilizing colloid, by means of radical polymerization, followed by b) the addition of at least one further olefinically unsaturated monomer and at least one initiator, in which process by means of radical polymerization of the further olefinically unsaturated monomer an aqueous dispersion is obtained, on which c) optionally a residual monomer reduction is performed, with this being carried out by means of polymerization of residual monomers and/or by means of physical removal of the residual monomers and optionally further volatile organic components by means of the introduction of vapor and/or gas.