Abstract: Casting paper of a desired surface texture or finish for use in the manufacture of artificial leather is produced by heating the polymer coating 1 of a polymer-coated paper 2 to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer and then cooling the polymer coating from its molten state to a solid state as it passes through a nip between an embossing roll 3 having a surface configuration corresponding to said desired surface texture or finish and a backing roll 4, thereby to impart the surface configuration of the embossing roll to the polymer-coated paper. The polymer is preferably polyolefinic, for example poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) or a polypropylene/polyethylene blend. An anti-curl back-coat, for example of polyvinyl alcohol, can be applied after the embossing operation.