Method of producing an encapsulated hydroprocessing catalyst

A method of producing an encapsulated hydroprocessing catalyst comprises:

• preparing a hydroprocessing catalyst comprising a porous support and at least one metal supported on the porous support, the porous support comprising alumina, silica, titania, or combinations thereof, and the at least one metal selected from International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Groups 6, 9 and 10 metals, wherein the porous support further comprises a zeolite having a FAU, MFI, MOR, or BEA type framework;
• applying a catalyst activation precursor comprising a sulfur containing compound, a catalyst deactivation precursor comprising a nitrogen containing compound, or both onto pores of the hydroprocessing catalyst to form a loaded hydroprocessing catalyst;
• and
• coating the loaded hydroprocessing catalyst with a coating material to produce the encapsulated hydroprocessing catalyst, wherein the coating material comprises a polymer or a paraffinic oil.