The disclosure provides self-dispersing pigment having an isoelectric point of at least about 8 comprising an inorganic particle, and in particular a titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment, treated sequentially by: hydrolyzing an aluminum compound or basic aluminate to deposit a hydrous alumina surface; and adding a dual-functional compound comprising an anchoring group that attaches the dual-functional compound to the pigment surface, and a basic amine group comprising a primary, secondary or tertiary amine. These self-dispersing pigments are useful in making decor paper that may be used in paper laminates.