Porous aggregates are coated with latex or water-based paints so as to lower the absorbility of the aggregates. When the paint-coated aggregates are mixed with an asphalt binder to produce an asphalt composition, the paint-coated aggregates absorb less of the asphalt binder, resulting in costs savings of the asphalt binder. In addition, the paint-coated aggregates avoid problems associated with selective absorption of components of the asphalt binder.