The present invention provides a recording medium comprising a substrate having a glossy coating thereon, wherein the glossy coating comprises a binder and first and second groups of particles, wherein: (a) the first group comprises metal oxide particles, wherein the metal oxide particles are aggregates of smaller, primary particles, (b) the mean diameter of the primary particles is less than about 100 nm, (c) the mean diameter of the aggregates is from about 100 nm to about 500 nm, (d) the mean diameter of the particles in the second group is less than about 50% of the mean diameter of the aggregates in the first group, and (e) the ratio of particles in the first group to particles in the second group is from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 by weight. The glossy coating of the inventive recording medium has an excellent rate of liquid absorption, a relatively high liquid absorption capacity, excellent adhesiveness, and a non-brittle, crack-resistant, glossy surface. Also provided is a method of preparing a recording medium and a coating composition useful in the preparation of a recording medium.