PURPOSE: To obtain bulky base paper for coated paper having a high rigidity by forming paper from a paper stock containing mercerized pulp in an amount within the range of a specified wt.% having the water retention after beating within a specific range of %.

CONSTITUTION: This method for producing paper is to form a paper stock containing 10-30wt.% mercerized pulp having 60-120% water retention after beating into paper. Thereby, base paper for coated paper having suppressed deterioration in bulkiness and freeness by beating is obtained. The resultant base paper is then coated with a prescribed coating liquid, subsequently dried and then subjected to the calendering treatment to afford this coated paper.