Abstract: An improved cover material for hard- and soft-book covers is disclosed. The material comprises a conventional substrate, such as paper, and a coating that comprises an acrylic binder, the binder having a Tg of -10.degree. to 10.degree. C., and a filler system, the filler system comprising (a) about 2.0% to about 7.0% of silica or a silicate; (b) about 28% to about 38% of calcined clay; (c) about 20% to about 27% of titanium dioxide; and (d) about 30% to about 45% of a white filler pigment. The filler system may additionally comprise 3% to 7% of a pigmentary polymeric particulate. The laminate may also additionally comprise a protective top coat coated over the layer of cover material.