The present invention concerns a process for coating a web by applying a coating layer comprising pigment particles to the surface of the web. According to the invention, the coating layer is contacted at a preselected stage with a smooth surface, the coating layer is at least partially dried while being contacted with said surface to provide a smooth outer surface of the layer with densely packed particles, and the coating layer is separated from the smooth surface. The smooth surface of the web provided by the invention is ideal for printing or for secondary coating with polymers. Paper and board products according to the invention are easily reclaimed and can be treated in a normal pulper, because they do not contain any metal foils or polymer films.