Abstract: The process of producing a porous, smooth, easy finishing coated paper utilizing high solids water-based coating compositions (e.g. 68-73% solids) having certain rheological and viscosity characteristics in blade coating apparatus on paper webs moving at speeds above 500 feet per minute (e.g. moving at 1500 to 3500 feet per minute). The coating compositions are substantially free of protein adhesives and contain clay as a coating pigment.