Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to a fiber strand comprising at least one fiber at least partially coated with a starch-free composition formed from the components comprising at least one film forming material, at least one polymeric lubricant, at least one rosin, at least one organo silane coupling agent, at least one dispersion of polymeric particles, wherein the individual particles have a diameter of at least 0.1 microns, at least one emulsifying agent, and at least one additional lubricant that is different from the at least one polymeric lubricant.