Abstract: A coating color comprising 28-51% by weight of water, 43-64% by weight of carbonate-containing pigment with a specific particle distribution and a particle diameter of 0.18-0.28 .mu.m and a specific surface area of 19-26 M.sup.2 /g and 6-8% by weight of conventional binding agents and additives may be employed with advantage for coated papers. The coating color is produced by wet milling of the carbonate-containing pigment without the addition of dispersing or wetting agents at a solids concentration of 30-20% by weight in an agitating ball mill, subsequent concentration, re-dispersal and the addition of binding agents, water and additives.