Methods including preparing a surface modification agent emulsion comprising an aqueous base fluid, a surfactant, and a hydrophobically-modified amine-containing polymer (HMAP), the HMAP comprising a plurality of hydrophobic modifications on an amine-containing polymer, and wherein the aqueous base fluid forms an external phase of the surface modification agent emulsion and the HMAP forms an internal phase of the surface modification agent emulsion; and introducing the surface modification agent emulsion into a subterranean formation.