p-alkylphenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (ARFL) films were prepared by co-condensation of p-alkylphenols and resorcinol with formaldehyde to generate modified phenolic resins, followed by blending with rubber latex, aging, and finally curing. The weight-gain of the ARFL films and the tensile force of the coated fiberglass were studied under different temperatures and various humidities. The surfaces of the ARFL films were further analyzed by measuring the static contact angle and the findings were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The adhesion between the coated fiberglass and neoprene rubber was evaluated using the H-adhesion technique. The best hydrophobicity and the largest water contact angle were displayed on the surface of the p-nonylphenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (NRFL) film, with a weight-gain percent that was 40.0% (wt %) lower and a static contact angle that was 22.6 degrees more than that of the resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) film. The NRFL-coated fiberglass had a higher tensile force and H-adhesion force than the RFL-coated fiberglass. The shelf life of NRFL-coated fiberglass can be raised significantly at 40 degrees C and under 98% humidity. The mechanism of the dramatic drop in the tensile force of the coated fiberglass is also discussed. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J AppI Polym Sci 113: 3550-3556, 2009