To obtain a surface coating agent for paper, capable of preventing feathering and improving water resistance by subjecting a specific monomer to radical polymerization in the presence of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having vinyl alcohol unit.

This surface coating agent for paper is prepared by subjecting a monomer represented by the formula (R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each H2 or CH3; X is a pair ion), e.g. a monomer containing dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride and/or diallylamine salt to radical polymerization at 10-100°C in the presence of a water-soluble or water dispersible polymer containing a vinyl alcohol unit, e.g. polyvinyl alcohol and a polymerization initiator in an acidic to neutral range. The surface coating agent is applied in an amount of 0.02-2 g/m2 to a paper substrate to provide a paper for ink jet recording.