A coating composition that contains hard particles, a binder, and at least one thickening agent is provided. Pigment materials, a dispersant, a biocide, and a defoaming agent may also be included. The particles may have a size of about 1.0 to about 20.0 microns and a hardness of at least 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The hard particles may be present in the composition in an amount from about 2.0 to about 15.0% by weight of the composition. The coating composition may be applied to a veil to form a wear resistant coating. The coated veil may then be used to form a coated gypsum product. The coating composition improves wear resistance and reduces damaging effects that may be caused by winding, workers handling the coated gypsum product during installation, and/or adverse conditions after installation. Methods of forming a coated veil and coated gypsum products are also provided.