This invention provides a polymer film coating for use preferably with cold glue labels, particularly on the adhesive-receiving side of a label film The coating includes a filler component and a binder component, at least one of which is hydrophobic. The coating imparts water resistance and solvent resistance to an adhered label, thereby improving resistance to label removal due to moisture or water contact. A coated label and method of applying the coating to a label film are also included.