The invention relates to a composition for surface coloration of paper web comprising a) from 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a coloring pigment, b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of a starch/latex copolymer, characterized in that, in addition to starch, the monomeric components that are copolymerized comprise i) styrene or a substituted styrene, ii) an acrylate and/or methacrylate and, optionally, iii) one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers, c) from 0 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of starch or a starch derivative, d) from 0 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of one or more auxiliaries and e) water to complete to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.