The effects of coating colours on base papers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of coating colours and their contents on the fundamental properties of base papers and also evaluate these results in terms of mechanical and wood-free papers. Design/methodology/approach A design research approach has been based on the application of various coating colours and analysis of mechanical and optical tests results of the coated mechanical and wood-free base papers. Findings This study is confirmed that the coating colours can be easily applied to the surface of the papers. The experimental data have revealed that significant improvements exist in the values of tear resistance (strength), brightness and opacity of the mechanical base papers, especially by the application of the coating colours including kaolin pigment. The results show that mechanical papers can also be used in areas with high brightness expectations by applying coating colour. Originality/value The originality of this work is based on understanding and comparing the effects of applying similar coating formulations on mechanical and wood-free base papers.