disclosed are improved microcapsules comprising a core of fill material , at least one generally continuous wall encapsulating the core , and the reaction product of a methylolated epoxy compound and material of the outermost wall as at least a portion of the outermost surface of the microcapsule , the reaction product , among other things , tending to close discontinuities in the encapsulating wall . when containing a colorless dye precursor and utilized in carbonless copying systems , the improved microcapsules help to reduce discoloration caused by leakage or premature rupture and release of the dye precursor while still providing good image intensity of marks produced by the system . also disclosed are methods of making the improved microcapsules .