The present invention relates to aqueous compositions comprising component (A) which comprises at least one water-soluble component comprising at least one functional group that undergoes a crosslinking reaction, preferably upon drying and/or heating; component (B) which comprises at least one film-forming material, preferably a latex material; and component (C) which comprises at least one component that provides at least one of moisture and/or water barrier properties and/or vapor barrier properties greater than that provided by the combination of components (A) and (B) alone.