A novel coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The coating is of controlled permeability due to perforation of the mat. The coating comprises platelet shaped mineral pigment and preferably an organic binder.