Abstract: A fibrous product, the absorption and desorption properties of which have been improved and which comprises a fibrous substrate which has, on at least one of it surfaces, a small quantity of a modified starch, and a method of producing it. According to the present invention, onto at least one surface of the fibrous product is applied 0.01-1.0 g/m2 of starch ether ester, anionic starch ester, or starch ether or ester, from a diluted aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion. By means of the present invention it is possible efficiently to reduce the absorption of printing ink into a surface to be printed. Consequently, the desired density is achieved with a smaller printing ink quantity and, at the same time, harmful print-through of imprints is reduced.