Abstract: A process of making a coated paper comprises the following steps: 1) providing a paper layer composed of a blend of pulp fibers and particulate material containing polyvalent metal cations, 2) applying a acidified alginate solution of a material selected from salts and derivatives of alginic acid to cover at least a portion of the paper, 3) reacting the salts and/or derivatives of alginic acid with polyvalent metal cations in the paper to form a polymer coating, and 4) drying the paper and polymer coating. The permeability of the coated paper is generally at least about 75 percent less than the permeability of an identical uncoated portion of the paper. The solution of alginate material may be partially cross-linked. The alginate solution may be deposited utilizing gravure printing techniques. Also disclosed is a coated paper and a wrapper for a smoking article.