The instant invention is a coating composition, a coated article, and method forming such coated articles. The coating composition comprises (a) a dispersion; and (b) a crosslinker. The dispersion comprises at least one or more base polymers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one or more stabilizing agents; and a fluid medium. The crosslinker may, for example, be zinc ammonium carbonate. A coated article comprises a substrate comprising cellulosic materials; and at least one or more coating layers present on at least one or more surfaces of the substrate. The one or more coating layers may be derived from a coating composition comprising (a) a dispersion; and (b) a crosslinker. The dispersion comprises at least one or more base polymers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one or more stabilizing agents; and a fluid medium. The method of forming a coated article comprises the steps of (1) selecting a substrate comprising cellulosic materials; (2) selecting a coating composition comprising (a) a dispersion comprising at least one or more base polymers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based thermoplastic polymer, a propylene-based thermoplastic polymer, and mixtures thereof; at least one or more stabilizing agents; and a fluid medium; and (b) a crosslinker; (3) applying said coating composition to at least one or more surfaces of said substrate; (4) removing a at least a portion of the water; and (5) thereby forming said coated article.