Process for applying a coating to both sides of a running paper web

A continuous process for applying a coating to both sides of a paper web, said process comprising the steps of:

• (a) feeding the web at a speed of at least 400 meters per minute through the nip formed between a rotating applicator roll and an elastically yielding blade having an edge which urges the web towards the roll, whereby a first sump is formed between the paper web and the roll and a second sump is formed between the paper web and the blade;
• (b) feeding a coating composition into each of said first and second sumps at a rate such that the amount of coating material applied to the web, calculated as the total of both sides of the web, exceeds 14 grams per square meter;
• (c) maintaining the viscosity of the coating composition in said first and second sumps at 400 to 2000 centipoises;
• and
• (d) withdrawing the paper web from the nip, so that it is bent away from the applicator roll over the edge of the blade at an angle of between 8.degree. to 12.degree. to the tangient to the roll at the nip.