Coating for reducing oil absorbency of cellulosic webs

A method for reducing the surface oil absorption of cellulose based substrate is provided, in which a coating composition is applied to said substrate; and in which the coating composition comprises carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and/or a salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A coated paperboard, and a laminate of the coated paperboard with a polymer layer is also provided. The coating composition provides improved surface oil absorption and improved adherence of an overlying polymer layer.