• LFS-deposited TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles create superhydro-phobic and hydrophilic paper surface, • Abrasive damage of surface structure influences only slightly the wettability of superhydrophobic TiO2 and hydrophilic SiO2 coatings, • A more severe abrasive action will remove some of the nanoparticle coating, but the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the surface are maintained, • SiO2 nanoparticle coated surface is more resistant to abrasion than the TiO2 coating, which indicates a stronger inter-particle and particle to surface adhesion of the former, • Investigation of nanoparticle loss from the paper surface is challenging, due to the small total mass of nanoparticles in the coating, mixed together with pigment particles and fiber debris removed during abrasion experiment.