The present invention aims to provide techniques for preparing matte coated printing papers having high opacity and brightness as well as improved brightness variation at low basis weight with good runnability.According to the present invention, a process for preparing a matte coated printing paper having a basis weight of 60 to 90 g/m2, a brightness of 75% or more, and an opacity of 95% or more is provided, comprising applying a coating solution containing calcium carbonate by curtain coating on a base paper having a brightness of 45 to 70% made from a raw material pulp containing a total of 50% or more of deinked pulp and/or mechanical pulp.