A
coating solution for textured surfaces can comprise water, a water-soluble or water-dispersible organic binder which preferably is
radiation curable, and a dispersion of particles and / or their preformed aggregates having a
refractive index either larger, matching, or smaller than a
refractive index of the organic binder or its cured
polymer. Two refractive indices can be chosen, depending upon whether a textured surface appearance of
frost, transparency, or ultralow
reflectivity, respectively, is desired. Water
evaporation from energy curable coatings can be used, preferably containing a
high loading of insoluble and / or non-swelling particles and their aggregates, at least one of whose dimensions are preferably larger than the dried film, so as to
expose these particles or their aggregates at the surface and cure the film to lock them into place. The
coating solution can be used to achieve a textured coated result useable in direct (and indirect)
food contact.