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.