BASE PAPER, COATED PAPER, AND METHOD OF MAKING A BASE PAPER

A base paper for use as a substrate in a curtain coated paper comprises a wood-free paper having an even fibre formation as represented by an Ambertec value of four or less. The paper has a smooth surface topography as represented by an Altisurf Sa value of 2.5 žm or less, and a high hydrophobicity as represented by a DPM transmission value after 5 seconds of 30% or greater. Preferably the Altisurf Sa value is 2.0 žm or less, the DPM transmission after 5 seconds is 50% or greater and the Ambertec value is three or less. The base paper is made from a furnish of short fibres, derived from hardwoods such as eucalyptus, and the base paper includes a hard internal sizing agent, such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride or rosin based chemicals, which is added to the wet stock and hydrophobic barrier layer, such as latex polymer with a clay or calcium carbonate pigment. The base paper may be used to form a curtain coated paper wherein the coating comprises a pigment and binder. The curtain coated paper may be used as coated graphic arts paper.