The main objectives of this study was to elucidate the effect of binder dosages, and the addition of cationic starch in the coating colors on the coating layer structure and the paper properties. The effect of binders on the properties of the coating color was also examined. The results showed that at 13% binder’s level, the addition of 0.5% cationic starch to partially replace the phosphate starch produced a denser coating layer and resulted in the best IGT dry and wet pickings resistence, without losing the opacity of the coated products. No glyoxal was used as an insolubilizer in the coating colors for the said application. The advantages of adding small amount cationic starch in the colors on the coated paper properties were thus confirmed in this study.