Abstract: An aqueous coating and/or sizing composition base comprising, a natural resin made water soluble, emulsified, or water dispersed with the aid of an alkaline agent with or without the addition of mono, di, tri, or other related ethanolamine. Said aqueous natural resinoid base so made is then treated with an aldehyde belonging to the generic family known as "Vanillin." The vanillin serving in a dual role as a cross-linking agent and as a reactant chemical to neutralize or eliminate obnoxious ammonical fumes when the aforesaid alkaline agent is or contains ammonia. Aqueous supporting colloids, pigments, etc. may be mixed therewith according to specific end uses. The use of organic solvents is sometimes necessary to bring about the aqueous nature of the composition.