The disclosure provides a process for preparing a self-dispersing pigment having an isoelectric point of at least about 8 comprising: (a) adding a dual functional compound with an acidic aluminum salt to form an aqueous solution, wherein the dual functional compound comprises 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; (b) adding a base to the mixture from step (a) whereby the pH is raised to about 4 to about 9 to form a turbid solution; and (c) adding the mixture from step (b) to a slurry of inorganic particles whereby a hydrous alumina and the dual functional compound are deposited on the pigment surface. The self-dispersing pigments prepared by this process are useful in making décor paper that may be used in paper laminates.