Abstract: Provided herein are coated particles, such as, for example, proppants comprising a coating. A coated particle of the present invention may swell upon contact with a solution having a salinity in a range of about 50 ppm to about 100,000 ppm and/or having a hardness in a range of about 1 ppm to about 150,000 ppm. The amount of swelling may vary by less than 50% over a salinity concentration in a range of about 50 ppm to about 100,000 ppm and/or a hardness concentration in a range of about 1 ppm to about 150,000 ppm. Also provided herein are methods of making coated particles and methods of using the same.