a coated pigment that includes polymer encapsulations which act as a pigment dispersant and film forming agent , coating systems that include the coated pigment and methods for producing the coated pigment and the coating system are described . the polymer encapsulations of the coated pigments allow the coated pigments that are included in the coating system to be dispersed without the addition of any other dispersants and / or resins . thus , the disclosed coated pigments simplify the process of making coating systems . the disclosed coated pigments also extend the shelf - life of the coating systems , and provide a final coating with enhanced pigment orientation and aesthetics .