A process for preparing color dispersions comprising a first step of contacting water, a first colorant, and a gel composition comprising a first gel selected from methylcellulose, hydropropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylethylcellulose, and the mixture thereof, and a second gel selected from guar, pectin, carrageenan, gelatin, and the mixture thereof, to form a first colorant dispersion; a second step of contacting the first colorant dispersion with a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles, clay, and a peptizing agent to form a dispersion of protected first colorant particles. A color dispersion comprising the first colorant dispersion and a color coating comprising the color dispersion.