The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of inorganic pigment particles with agglomerates of fine primary particles or single crystals of inorganic compounds, particularly of oxides or sulphates. The method is characterized in that the inorganic compounds are first precipitated from an aqueous solution under suitable pH conditions in a separate vessel in the form of fluffily structured agglomerates and/or single crystals. The precipitation product is subsequently added to an aqueous suspension of inorganic pigment particles. The method is particularly suitable for the surface treatment of titanium dioxide particles, in order to achieve high hiding power or high opacity when used in emulsion paints or laminates.