A support for an image recording medium includes base paper, a polymer coating layer formed on both top and wire side surfaces, and a coating layer containing a pigment and an adhesive agent which is formed under the polymer coating layer on one or both side surfaces. The support has a water absorbence less than 20 mg in terms of cross section water absorption quantity given by the following expression: Cross section water absorption quantity (mg)=A-B where A is the mass of a 10.times.1.5 cm support after wiping off attached water after five minute immersion in a water bath at 20.degree. C. and B is the mass of the paper base support before immersion.