A method for coating wood or wood composite material articles and the articles coated through the method are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to polymer coating compositions that comprise at least one thermoplastic resin, at least one opacity modifier, at least one gloss modifier, and at least one impact modifier, articles at least partially coated with the polymer coating composition, paintable polymer coated articles and a method for making the polymer coated and painted polymer coated articles. These compositions exhibit enhanced paintability (including paintability with water-based paints) and mechanical properties for fabrication (cutting, nailing, routing, etc.), while maintaining acceptable visual appearance, such as opacity, gloss, surface appearance, and surface roughness.