Articles coated with a water-resistant coating that absorbs water to provide the water-resistant effect, and desorbs water when the coating is dried, and a method of providing water resistance and corrosion resistance to articles prepared with such coatings. The coating is formed by applying a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer precursor, optionally a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant onto the surfaces of the article, and curing to form a coating comprising the superabsorbent polymer.