Synthesis of soft colloids with well-controlled softnessElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4cc02485k

We report a novel method to prepare soft colloids with well-controlled softness. The softness of the colloids was characterised by atomic force microscopy and rheometry. Possible applications of such soft colloids in uniform particle coatings are demonstrated. Synthesis of soft colloids with well-controlled softness by emulsion polymerisation of silicon oil droplets, using different amounts of an initiator.