Abstract: A method for the preparation of a silica slurry in water is described. The proposed silica slurry can be advantageously used as a constituent of a coating formulation for a paper comprising precipitated silica and/or silica gel as well as at least one further fine particulate pigment, in particular for an offset paper. The method includes, in the given sequence, the steps a) making a dispersion of the at least one further fine particulate pigment in water, b) adding the silica in dry powdery form to that dispersion.