ConclusionsThe use of an all-cationic coating formulation is shown to achieve similar coating strengths on paper at lower binder levels than obtained with conventional anionic coating formulations. This increase in strength was caused by the reduction of migration of cationic binder into the base paper arising from charge interactions at the interface between the cationic binder and the anionic paper. Extending this approach to a layer-by-layer deposition of alternating cati- onic then anionic-based coatings showed failure betweenthe first and second layers. Failure occurs between the coat- ing layers because of the lack of interpenetration of the two layers, and hence, no mechanical interlocking of the layers.