A method for coating surfaces by treatment with a substantially paraffin-free aqueous formulation, comprising (A) at least one copolymer having a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range from 1 to 50 g/10 min, which comprises, incorporated in the form of polymerized units, (a) from 65 to 84.5% by weight of ethylene, (b) from 25.5 to 35% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and which is at least partly neutralized with alkali metal, (B) at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, (C) at least one antifoam, (D) if appropriate, at least one organic amine, (E) if appropriate, at least one organic solvent.