Abstract: A method of producing a composition for coating fibrous sheet products includes adding a surface treatment agent in an aqueous emulsion or solution form to an aqueous suspension of a dispersed inorganic particulate material comprising kaolin to improve the coating composition, e.g., rheology, and the rotogravure printing process, e.g. runnability. The dispersing agent is polycarboxylate. The surface treatment agent is in a substantially free state, has a hydrophobic group, and is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a long chain fatty acid; (ii) a long chain fatty alcohol; or (iii) an anionic surfactant having a long chain hydrophobic group and a polar group. A hydrophilic adhesive is added to the dispersed aqueous suspension during or while the surface treatment agent is added to the dispersed aqueous suspension. This method is used to produce a coated and a printed coated cellulosic sheet member.