Method for producing surface-treated paper and dry end of a paper machine

A method for producing surface-treated paper from a paper web which has been dewatered by pressing to substantially a first dry solids content of from about 35% to about 60%, comprising the steps of:

• a1) drying the web in a forward dryer section to substantially a second dry solids content of between 90% and 99%;
• a2) wherein the drying of the web in step a1 comprises the step of applying drying energy to the web over substantially the entire length of the forward dryer section asymmetrically in the z-direction from only one side of the web, the web having a tendency to curl as a result of the asymmetric drying thereof in the forward dryer section;
• a3) wherein the drying energy is applied asymmetrically to the web in step a2 by passing the web through a plurality of successive drying groups with single-wire draw that are open downward, each of said drying groups having steam-heated drying cylinders arranged in a first row and reversing suction cylinders arranged in a second row below said first row, the side of the web being dried being passed into direct contact with a face of said drying cylinders;
• b1) passing the web from the forward dryer section to a finishing section without the interposition of an additional drying group;
• and
• b2) reducing the curling tendency of the web that arose in the forward dryer section by passing the web through at least one surface-sizer or coating device arranged in the finishing section and applying size from said at least one surface-sizer or a coating agent from said at least one coating device onto one or both sides of the web to treat the surface of the web, and drying the web after the web has passed through said at least one surface-sizer or coating device.