Abstract: Cast-coated papers having high surface gloss, smoothness and high surface strength are produced by applying an aqueous pigment coating onto the surface of a base paper, drying the applied pigment coating to form a cast-coated layer, rewetting the pigment coating layer with a rewetting solution, pressing the rewetted pigment coating layer into contact with a heated, highly polished drum to impart a high gloss surface, the rewetting solution containing a dispersant and/or a release agent as its main components and having its pH adjusted to be between 2 and 4 by incorporation of at least one carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, tartatic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, malic acid and benzoic acid.