Apparatus for smoothening a paper web before coating

The invention relates to a method for smoothening a web in a papermaking operation before it is coated. The steps in the smoothening operation include calendering a moistened web in a heated hard nip. This process improves the receptivity of the web surface to coating applications, and to subsequent printing operations. A paper web is smoothened by passing the web through a pre-calender device on a paper machine before the application of a coating. The pre-calender device comprises at least one pair of steel rolls, one of which is heated, and a liquid application device which applies a thin film of water to the surface of the web which contacts the heated roll before the web enters the nip between the rolls. The web is then dried after exiting the nip either by wrapping the heated roll and/or by applying heat externally to the web.