An activating rinse for treating a substrate is disclosed. The activating rinse comprises a first component comprising a dispersion of divalent or trivalent metal phosphate particles having an average particle size that is not greater than 10 μm, and a second component comprising first and second copolymers. The first copolymer is formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or combinations thereof, wherein one end of the first copolymer is terminated by an amine group, a hydroxyl group, or an alkyl group. The second copolymer is formed by the polymerization of styrene and a second monomer containing at least one carboxylate group, anhydride group, or combinations thereof. The second monomer is present in an amount of less than 50 percent by weight of the total weight of the second component. Also disclosed are methods for treating a substrate with the activating rinse and substrates treated with the activating rinse.