Disclosed are coated fiber-containing articles, including paper, paperboard, and molded fiber, and methods for preparing such articles. A preferred method comprises heating paperboard containing a polymeric binder to a temperature sufficient to remove at least some moisture from the paperboard; applying an aqueous dispersion or solution of at least one water-dispersible or water-soluble polymer to the paperboard product; heating the paperboard to at least partially cure the water-dispersible or water-soluble polymer; and cooling the paperboard to at least 160.degree. F. to reduce the tackiness of the cured water-dispersible polymer.