A method of preparing coated titanium dioxide particles is provided. The method can include forming an aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide particles having a pH of from about 5.0 to about 7.0; adding a zirconium oxide-forming solution to the suspension in an amount sufficient to decrease the pH of the suspension to about 4.0 or lower; forming a zirconium oxide coating on the titanium dioxide particles to form a suspension of coated particles; adding an aluminum oxide-forming solution to the suspension of coated particles in an amount sufficient to increase the pH of the suspension to about 9.0 or higher; and forming an aluminum oxide coating on the coated particles to form a product.