Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.