The interaction between polymer dispersions and ceramic (polished and original tile) or mica surfaces influenced by the presence of artificial cementitious pore solutions was observed by AFM. A flat index (height/diameter of latex particles in contact with these surfaces) was defined to quantify the polymer-mineral interface affinity. The different flat indices for different polymer-substrate combinations are mainly related to two parameters, the glass transition temperature of the copolymer and the stabilization system (steric versus cationic). Furthermore tapping phase imaging revealed significant heterogeneities in the inner structure of the polymer particles and inhomogeneous distribution at their surface probably related to local variations of the protective colloid, especially polyvinyl alcohol.