WO2007025731A2

WO2007025731A2 - Coated paper suitable for manufacturing a printed object and object thereby obtained

Info

Publication number: WO2007025731A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/008473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl Huylebroeck; Marc Van Parijs; Ilse Garez; Linda Deceuninck
Original assignee: Roltex Belgium N.V.
Priority date: 2005-08-30
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: WO2007025731A3; BE1016739A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paper which is suitable for being printed and for being either impregnated with a resin or provided with an overlay paper, to be subsequently processed to an object, wherein said paper is provided on at least one side, preferably the upper side, with a coating comprising silica gel, polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose ether. The invention further relates to a printed object, for instance a tray, which is manufactured using a coated paper according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a printed object.

Description

Coated paper suitable for manufacturing a printed object and object thereby obtained

Technical field

The present invention relates to a paper for manufacturing a printed object, such as for instance a tray, and to an object thereby obtained. More in particular, the paper is provided with a particular coating which improves printing of the paper.

Background of the invention

Printed objects, such as trays, are known as such and are brought on the market in many possible configurations.

In order to manufacture printed objects, generally use is made of a certain type of paper that is printed, usually on one side. The printed paper is then provided on its upper and lower side with a thin overlay paper in order to protect the print, and than compressed to an object, for instance a tray. In the art, conventional paper is used which is highly impermeable for light, and which has been developed to be easily compressible.

Such paper is however less suitable to be printed using printing techniques. Often, problems occur during printing of patterns, such as the formation of bells. Such paper generally has a great absorbing (sucking) capacity, such that printing often requires large amounts of pigments and ink to obtain a satisfying printing result. Furthermore, in such case, the paper can absorb too much ink, such that the ink spreads along the fibers of the paper, or such that the ink drops run into one another, having the consequence that the resulting color is unattractive and less intense.

Another problem consists therein that in areas having strong ink coverage, the ink is not equally spread over the paper, but is present in thick drops on the paper, while in between these drops, white areas remain.

In addition, when using conventional paper for certain prints, the production process of the object is not always reproducible: an item that can be compressed today without forming bells, could incur problems during a next week. Another problem during manufacturing of printed objects is that upstanding edges of such objects often show undesired crack lines, fissures and/or asperities. Summarized, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improved paper for manufacturing a printed object and for an improved method for manufacturing printed objects, such as for instance trays.

Summary

The present invention provides a solution to at least one or more of the above-mentioned problems. More in particular, the present invention relates to the use of a paper that has been submitted to a special pre-treatment before being printed and further compressed to obtain a printed object, for instance a tray. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a paper suitable for being printed and further processed to an object, characterized in that the paper is coated on at least one side, preferably the upper side, with a coating comprising silica gel, polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose ether. In one embodiment the paper is suitable for being printed and being provided with an overlay paper, and further processed to an object. In another embodiment, the paper is suitable for being printed and being impregnated with a resin and further processed to an object.

The present coating preferably comprises 50 to 70 weight% silica gel; 20 to 40 weight% polyvinyl alcohol; and 0.1-10 weight% cellulose ether.

By applying this particular coating composition on the paper, the paper can be printed in an optimal way using various printing techniques such as offset printing, screen-printing, engraving, ink jet printing,... Use of the coating permits a better fixation of print pastes and print inks (solvent-based inks, eco-solvent-based inks, UV-curing inks, water-based inkjet inks or oil-based inkjet inks) and less paste or ink needs to be used. The silica particles in the coating enable a more rapid adsorption of the paste or ink, keep the paste or ink in place, and prevent the ink from running out. The shape of the silica particles, in particular, the particles are spherical-like, and their orientation, in particular the position of the particles in view of the ink to be applied, their internal porosity and capacity ensures that ink liquids are absorbed rapidly and held tightly, resulting in ink droplets with sharp, crisp edges for high quality printed images. These properties of the silica particles in the coating permit to restrict the ink paste or ink in canals in the paper, avoiding the ink to run out along fibers in the paper which would lead to dull and blurred colors. In addition, because the silica particles in the coating greatly adsorb the paste or ink, the resulting inks are well resistant to water. The applied coating also allows resins, present in the overlay papers which cover the paper at its upper and lower side, to migrate in the paper, which enables compression of the paper. Also, in embodiments wherein the paper is immersed in a resin bath, the applied coating also allows the resin to penetrate the paper which enables compression of the paper. The coating thus provides a final printed paper which is particularly suitable for being optimally treated with resin and compressed. Moreover, surprisingly, the present coating provides the paper an optimal degree of porosity; the paper does not become too porous such that it can obtain a good color pallet, but sufficiently porous such that it can subsequently optimally be subjected to a resin-treatment. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a paper as defined herein that is provided with a print on its coated side. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a paper as defined herein, characterized in that the paper is provided at its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper. In still another embodiment, the invention provides a paper as defined herein, characterized in that the paper is impregnated with a resin. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a coating as defined herein for coating a paper which is suitable for being printed and being provided with an overlay paper, and further processed to an object, for instance a tray. The invention also relates to the use of a coating as defined herein for coating a paper which is suitable for being printed and being impregnated with a resin, and further processed to an object, for instance a tray. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an object, for instance a tray, which is formed using a coated paper that is provided with a print on its coated side, and that is provided on its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper, wherein said coated paper is as defined herein. The invention also relates to an object, for instance a tray, which is formed using a coated paper that is provided with a print on its coated side, and that is impregnated with a resin, wherein said coated paper is as defined herein.

The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a printed object. Such method comprises the steps of: a) coating with a coating as defined herein of at least one side, and preferably the upper side, of a paper as defined herein, which is suitable for being printed and further processed to an object, b) printing the coated side(s) of said paper, and c) processing the printed paper obtained in step b) to an object. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a method comprising providing a resin- containing overlay paper on the upper and lower side of a printed paper obtained in step b), and further compressing said paper, for instance together with a core material, to an object. In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising impregnating the printed paper obtained in step b) with a resin, and further compressing said paper, for instance together with a core material, to an object.

With the insight to better show the characteristics of the invention, preferred embodiments of coated paper for the manufacturing of a printed object according to the invention are provided hereunder, in reference to the enclosed figures.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross section through an embodiment of an object, e.g. a tray, according to the invention.

Figure 2 is another schematic illustration of a cross section through an embodiment of an object, e.g. a tray, which is manufactured according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a paper which is particularly suitable, once coated, to be printed and further processed to an object. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a paper that is suitable for being printed, provided with an overlay paper, and subsequently processed to an object. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a paper that is suitable for being printed, impregnated with a suitable resin, and subsequently processed to an object. The paper is in particular characterized in that it is provided on at least one side, and preferably the upper side, with a suitable coating. The paper used in the present invention is coated with a coating which is characterized by a number of technical parameters, as described hereunder. More in particular, the coating according to the invention comprises as main components silica gel, polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose ether. Preferably the present coating is a water soluble coating.

Silica gel is a porous, amorphous (non crystalline) form of silicium or silicum dioxide. Silica gel is made from e.g. sodium silicate by polymerization. Acid synthesis gives rise to silica gel, i.e. a granular and porous form of silicate. Despite the term "gel", silica gel is a not a liquid but a solid product. In a preferred embodiment, the silica gel, and preferably submicron porous silica gel, applied in the coating according to the invention is used in the form of granules or beads, and preferably in the form of an aqueous slurry of granules or beads. Preferably said silica gel particles have a size comprised between 0.8 and 1.3 μm. In addition, the used silica gel preferably has a pore volume (ml/g) of between 0.9 and 1.1 and a surface area (m²/g) of between 220 and 270, and for instance of 250 m²/g.

In another preferred embodiment, the coating according to the present invention comprises an anionic silica gel. The term anionic refers to a silica gel which has a negative charge. Preferably, the silica gel has an anionic surface charge and has a pH comprised between 7.5 and 8.5. Silica gel has good capacities to adsorb humidity. Silica gel is substantially active on the paper surface and allows the paper to adsorb a relative large amount of ink, during digital as well as offset printing. The presence of silica gel in the coating greatly contributes by its porosity and its surface action to the color pattern and color range of the digital and off set printing inks, and positively influences quality features such as high print resolution, excellent color gamut, high ink optical density and minimal dot gain.

Polyvinylalcohol (PVOH) is a co-polymer of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and acrylate (AN). PVOH has a very high oxygen/gas barrier function. PVOH also has a good barrier function against oils and fats. Polyvinylalcohol, which is used in the present coating, preferably has a viscosity (determined by the method of Haake) which is higher than 100 mPa.s, and preferably higher than 150 mPa.s.

The third component in the coating is a cellulose ether, preferably selected from the group comprising methylcellulose (MC), methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose (HECMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC) or combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulose ether comprises methylhydroxyethylcellulose. Cellulose ethers have outstanding water-adsorbing capacities. Cellulose ether components can improve water retention, resulting in a better coating, and as a consequence thereof also in better printing results. The coating preferably comprises 50 to 70 weight% silica gel; 20 to 40 weight% polyvinyl alcohol; and 0.1-10 weight% cellulose ether. In a preferred embodiment, the coating preferably comprises 55 to 70 weight% silica gel; 25 to 40 weight% polyvinyl alcohol; and 0.5- 10 weight% cellulose ether. In an example, the coating comprises 69 weight% silica gel, 30 % polyvinyl alcohol and 1 weight% methylhydroxyethylcellulose.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a paper wherein the ratio of silica gel to polyvinyl alcohol in the coating is comprised between 3:1 and 2:1. In another preferred embodiment the invention provides a paper, wherein the ratio of silica gel to cellulose ether in the coating is comprised between 200:1 and 50:1. In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a paper wherein the ratio of polyvinyl alcohol to cellulose ether in the coating is comprised between 100:1 and 30:1.

By combining the three main components in the indicated amounts and ratios in the coating, a coating is provided having optimal characteristics which is extremely suitable for coating a paper that is to be printed. The coating disclosed herein provides amongst other features optimal results after printing with regard to color depth and color range, contour sharpness, resolution and delicacy of printed images, logos, pictograms, publicity signs or messages, etc... The coating thus permits an increase of the color output. The used coating further permits to control the capillary activity of the paper, and as a consequence thereof permits to reduce the use of print inks. By coating with the present coating, it is in addition not required any more to print the paper twice: single printing already provides a good result. In view hereof, cost price for production of the printed paper and object obtained there from can be considerably lowered. The present coating does not form a film and is melaminophyl, indicating that the coating still allows melamine resin to penetrate the paper. By this, the lamination capacity of a paper coated with a coating according to the invention improves. Use of the present coating for coating a paper which is to be subsequently printed and compressed, prevents the formation of bells during compression, and reduces for instance roughness of the paper and the formation of dust during offset printing of the paper. Furthermore, use of the present coating enables to reduce yellowing of the paper during compressing and to improve firmness of the paper (i.e. less shrinkage or elongation of the treated paper).

In addition, the present coating permits to substantially reduce "dot gain" problems. Such problem involves the spreading of ink drops which are dropped on a substrate. The more such phenomenon occurs, the worse the image, the duller the colors, and the lower the resolution at which there can be worked. The present coating is further characterized by a number of technical parameters, which are described hereunder. In one embodiment, the invention provides a paper, wherein the coating (dissolved in water), is applied in a quantity comprised between 2 and 15 g/m², and for instance of between 2 and 10 g/m², or of between 5 and 15 g/m² and for instance 5 and 10 g/m². In another embodiment, the invention provides a paper, wherein the coating has a dry surface weight of between 1 and 10 g/m² and for instance of between 1 and 5 g/m².

In another embodiment, the invention provides a paper, wherein the coating has a viscosity which is higher than 100 mPa.s, and preferably higher than 150 mPa.s. Viscosity of the coating can optionally be regulated and corrected by varying the concentration of PVOH and the amount of cellulose ether. In such case, it is important to obtain an equal distribution of the components, including the cellulose ether, on the paper to be coated, in order to obtain optimal printing results.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a paper, wherein the coating has a pH value comprised between 7 and 9. The invention also provides a paper, wherein said coating has a solids content of between 5 and 15 weight%.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a coated paper as defined herein, which is provided with a print on its coated side. It has to be noted that the present coating is particularly suitable for being used for coating paper that needs to be printed with any type of print. The coated paper can be printed with techniques comprising but not limited to offset printing techniques, digital printing techniques (based on the piezzo technology), ink jet printing techniques, helio-printing techniques, screen-printing techniques, laser printing techniques, etc..

It is also noted that the coated paper can be printed with any type of ink, comprising but not limited to any kind of printing pastes, which are used during helio-printing techniques, UV- inks, solvent inks, water soluble inks, eco-solvents, toner inks, etc...

The coating according to the present invention is suitable for being used on any type of paper which is to be further printed. The term "paper" as used herein therefore refers to any kind of paper comprising but not limited to all types of non-woven paper products, products based on cellulose fibers and/or synthetic fibers, and for instance also wall paper. The paper that can be coated in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a number of technical parameters as disclosed hereunder.

In a preferred embodiment, the present paper is a paper which is suitable for being impregnated with melamine. In one embodiment, the invention provides a paper having a surface weight also called "grammage" herein, of between 20 and 200 g/m², and preferably of between 70 and 120g/m² and for instance of between 80 and 120 g/m². In an example the paper has a surface weight of 105g/m².

The porosity of paper is usually measured in the prior art by measuring the time (in seconds) which is needed for the diffusion of 100 cubic centimeter (= 1dl) of air through 1 inch² of paper at a standard pressure difference. Porosity is thus expressed as inch² seconds per deciliter

(s-in*/dl), sometimes denoted as a "Gurley" unit, and corresponds to the SI unit: 1 s in²/dl =

6.4516 seconds per column meter of air (s/m). The present paper is characterized in that it has a porosity which is preferably lower than 130 s/m and preferably comprised between 65 and 130 s/m, and for instance between 75 and 120 s/m.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a paper having a pH value of between 6 and 8.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a paper having an ash content comprised between 30 and 45 % of the dry weight of the paper, and preferably between 35 and 40% of the dry weight of the paper.

The present paper is further characterized in that it has a wet yield strength which is lower than 3.5 %, and preferably lower than 2.5%. This parameter represents the length variation (elongation) of the paper when wetted. This length variation is expressed in percents of variation over a selectable measuring time. In still another embodiment, the paper has a suitable smoothness. The smoothness of paper is of importance. Thereby is meant the degree in which asperities are present on the paper surface. Such asperities are often difficult to percept with the naked eye, such that measuring methods are used to determine smoothness. An example hereof is the smoothness measurement of Bekk. This measurement technique aims to determine the time needed for a certain amount of air to escape between a surface of the paper and the polished reference surface of glass. The measurement is expressed in seconds (s) and done using a Bekk instrument. The value represents a degree of smoothness and evenness of the paper surface. Porosity (air permeability) of the paper plays a role in this measurement. Preferably, the present paper has a smoothness comprised between 75 and 130 s, and preferably between 80 and 120 s. Another characterizing parameter for paper is the capillary rise, which is defined as the height to which a paper strip of 15 mm by 250 mm becomes wet after 10 minutes. During this measurement, the smallest side of the paper is immersed in pre-filtered distilled water (2O⁰C). In accordance with the present invention, the paper preferably has a capillary rise comprised between 20 and 120 mm, and for instance between 20 and 100 mm, or between 20 and 75 mm, or between 20 and 50 mm, or between 20 and 35 mm, or between 23 and 33 mm.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a paper that is provided at its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper, preferably a melamine-containing overlay paper. Such overlay papers are well known in the prior art and will therefore not be discussed herein in detail. In another embodiment, the invention provides a paper that is impregnated with a resin, preferably a melamine-containing resin. It will however be clear that the present paper may also be provided with an overlay paper containing other types of resin, or impregnated with other types of resin. In general, the resin which may be used in accordance the present invention may include any resin which is suitable for treating or impregnating paper, and is preferably selected from the group comprising melamine resin, phenol resin, urea resin, formaldehyde resin, polyacrylate resin, silicon resin, and polyurethane resin or combinations thereof.

The present invention further provides an object, that is formed by a coated paper, using a coating as defined herein, whereby the paper is provided on its coated side with a print. The paper is either provided on its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper. Alternatively, the paper is impregnated after printing with a resin, e.g. a melamine resin, which penetrates the paper, whereby said paper is subsequently dried and compressed, for instance together with a suitable core material, to form an object. Such core materials are well known in the prior art and will therefore not be discussed herein in detail.

Objects which can be manufactured based on the present paper are not limited and may comprise all kind of objects that can be printed and subsequently either impregnated or laminated. Such objects may comprise, but are not limited to trays, beakers, cups, bowls,

(storage)boxes, tables, table work top, kitchen work top, chairs, caddies, furniture, (decorative) wall panels, or wall coverings, wall paper, facade coverings, facade panels, soil coverings such as laminate, parquet, publicity panels, car parts, sports articles such as ski's and the like, tennis-, squash-, badminton rackets, snow-boards, skate-boards, surfboards and the like. The objects according to the present invention are not limited with regard to sizes and/or geometrical shapes, in an example, the objects are trays. The trays may be circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal, with a slanted or vertical edge. The edge may be chamfered at its end, or have an annular rim.

In one embodiment, the different layers, and in particular the overlay papers and the paper, have to be laminated and compressed in such a way as to avoid the formation of fissures, cracks or asperities in the upstanding edges of the compressed object. Use of a paper that has been subjected to a coating as defined herein facilitates the production of trays having upstanding edges which are smooth and do not show fissures, crack lines or the like. In addition, the trays are scratch resistant and suitable for being washed in dish washers, resistant to cigarette glow and usual detergents. The trays are for instance resistant to a temperature of up to 100⁰C and resistant to boiling water. The trays preferably have a slightly convex base in order to improve their shape stability.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross section through an embodiment of an object 6 according to the invention, for instance a tray that is formed by compressing a paper 1 according to the invention. The paper was coated with a coating 7 on its upper side and provided with a print, e.g. by means of digital print using inkjet or offset print. Hereafter, the paper was provided with an overlay paper 2 at its upper side and an overlay paper 3 at its lower side. Such overlay paper protects the print against humidity, scratches, heat (cigarette butts), chemicals, etc. The paper is for instance a paper having a weight of 80g/m², while the overlay paper is a thin paper (20 g/m²) that is provided with an excess of resin, preferably melamine resin at the upper side 2 and phenol resin at the lower side 3 thereof. When the paper is well compressed, together with the core (material) 8 of the object to form a tray, the excess of resin 4 of the overlay papers runs into each other at the upper and lower side and penetrate the printed paper 1. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a cross section through an embodiment of an object 6, e.g. a tray, which is manufactured according to the present invention. A paper 1 , according to the present invention, was coated on its upper side with an ink receptive coating 7 according to the invention and provided with a print, e.g. by means of digital print using inkjet or offset print. Hereafter, the paper was soaked in a liquid resin bath comprising a resin. After this step, the paper was dried by applying a moderate temperature between 120° C and 150⁰C during a few (2 to 3) minutes to keep reactivity of the resin 5. The paper was subsequently compressed together with the core 8 of the object to form a tray. In such a coated, printed and impregnated paper, the print is protected after compression against humidity, scratches, heat (cigarette butts), chemicals, etc. A resin 5 used for impregnating the paper for instance comprises melamine resin, whereby for instance 80g/m² dry weight is applied on the paper.

When the impregnated paper is well compressed to a tray, the print is resistant to external influences.

In yet another embodiment the invention provides a paper, in particular a wall paper, that has been coated on at least one side with a coating as defined herein. The wall paper referred to herein may comprise a paper or a non woven. For instance, the wall paper may be based on non wovens made of e.g. cellulosic, polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide material. The wall paper may be printed with e.g. UV and water based inkjet inks. Applying a coating on at least one side of such wall paper greatly improves the printing facilities of such wall paper.

Examples

Example 1

In an example a coating according to the invention has the following composition: 69.5 parts of an anionic silica gel; 30 parts polyvinylalcohol and 0.5 parts of a cellulose ether. All these parts are based on solid weight. The coating has a dry surface weight of 9.9 g/m², a viscosity of 237 mPa.s and a pH value of 8.9. The solids content in the coating comprises in this example 11.3% (weight %).

Example 2

Table 1 in this example illustrates a number of parameters (tested under laboratory conditions comprising an air humidity of 50% and a temperature of 23⁰C) for a number of examples of light papers, which can be coated with a coating according to the invention and subsequently printed. Table 1

Example 3

This example illustrates the manufacturing of trays starting from a coated paper as defined herein. The upper side (decoration side) or the lower side of the paper was coated. Here after, digital printing capacities and offset printing capacities of the paper were tested. All printed papers were laminated (provided with an overlay paper), compressed to form a tray and evaluated. The results indicate that by using a coating composition as defined herein less printing inks need to be used to obtain good color strength. Also, advantageously, the application of a second print becomes superfluous, such that cost price as well as the risk for bad patterns (e.g. due to the formations of bladders) can be substantially reduced.

Example 4

This example illustrates a tray which is obtained by applying a method according to the present invention. The tray is characterized by the following features. It consists of a maintenance-friendly composite material, without wood, which consists of a paper surface that is sealed by a double layer (upper and lower) of high pressure melamine. The paper has been coated, prior to sealing, with a coating solution according to the present invention. The tray is provided with rounded edges and has a lightly convex base to ensure better shape stability. It conforms to the following quality norms:

- wearing resistance according to the Martindale grade 150 after 400 turns: 0.14 g loss of material

Impact resistance according to EU norm ISO 180: 0.4 J/cm² (variation coefficient 40%) - Bending strength according to EU norm ISO ISO 178: 133 MPa (variation coefficient 10%) resistance against cigarette glow and boiling water (DIN 53799) conforms to a hot soil test and spotting test (DIN 43799)

Claims

1. Paper suitable for being printed and further processed to an object, characterized in that the paper is coated on at least one side, preferably the upper side, with a coating comprising silica gel, polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose ether.

2. Paper according to claim 1 , whereby said paper is suitable for being printed and being provided with an overlay paper, and further processed to an object.

3. Paper according to claim 1 , whereby said paper is suitable for being printed and being impregnated with a resin and further processed to an object.

4. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said paper is provided with a water soluble coating.

5. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said paper is provided with a coating which comprises an anionic silica gel.

6. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said coating comprises cellulose ether which is selected from the group comprising methylcellulose (MC), methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose (HECMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC) or combinations thereof.

7. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said coating comprises 50 to 70 weight% silica gel; 20 to 40 weight% polyvinyl alcohol; and 0.1-10 weight% cellulose ether.

8. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said coating is applied in a quantity comprised between 5 and 15 g/m².

9. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said coating has a viscosity which is higher than 100 mPa.s.

10. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said coating has a pH value comprised between 7 and 9.

11. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said coating has a solids content of between 5 and 15 weight%.

12. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said paper has a surface weight comprised between 20 and 200 g/m².

13. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said paper has a porosity comprised between 65 and 130 s/m.

14. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein said paper has a pH value comprised between 6 and 8.

15. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein said paper has an ash content comprised between 30 and 45 % of the dry weight of the paper.

16. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein said paper has a wet yield strength which is lower than 3.5 %.

17. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein said paper has a smoothness comprised between 75 and 130 s.

18. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein said paper has a capillary rise comprised between 20 and 120 mm.

19. Paper according to any of claims 1 to 18, that is provided with a print on its coated side.

20. Paper according to any of claims 1 , 2 and 4 to 19, wherein said paper is provided at its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper.

21. Paper according to any of claims 1 and 3 to 19, wherein said paper is impregnated with a resin.

22. Use of a coating as defined in any of claims 1 and 4 to 11 for coating a paper which is suitable for being printed and being provided with a overlay paper, and further processed to an object.

23. Use of a coating as defined in any of claims 1 and 4 to 11 for coating a paper which is suitable for being printed and being impregnated with a resin, and further processed to an object.

24. Object which is formed using a coated paper that is provided with a print on its coated side, and that is provided on its upper and lower side with a resin-containing overlay paper, wherein said coated paper is defined as in any of claims 1 and 4 to 19.

25. Object which is formed using a coated paper that is provided with a print on its coated side, and that is impregnated with a resin, wherein said coated paper is defined as in any of claims 1 and 4 to 19.

26. Method for manufacturing a printed object comprising the steps of: a) coating with a coating as defined in any of claims 1 and 4 to 11 , of at least one side, and preferably the upper side, of a paper as defined in any of claims 1 , and 4 to 19, which is suitable for being printed and further processed to an object, b) printing the coated side(s) of said paper, and c) processing the printed paper obtained in step b) to an object.

27. Method according to claim 26, comprising providing a resin-containing overlay paper on the upper and lower side of a printed paper obtained in step b), and further compressing said paper to an object.

28. Method according to claim 26, comprising impregnating the printed paper obtained in step b) with a resin, and further compressing said paper to an object.