Membrane coatings of various polymers have been applied successfully to the external surface of commercial spheres of zeolite 5A in order to render them more resistant to attrition. Starting materials have been phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins, styrene-divinyl benzene (SDVB), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). Once laid down on the surface as polymers, the PF and PVDC membranes have been tested in carbonized form as well. All the membranes tested showed improved resistance to attrition over the virgin zeolite spheres. Membrane coatings made from the PF precursor show improved adsorption properties as well and therefore this type of membrane coating augurs well for fluidized bed applications in which a further advantage, namely that of reduced external fluid film resistance, can be gained. Some loss of adsorptive capacity was observed with coatings made from SDVB and PVDC and their carbonized forms.