Oxidized acetate starch was synthesized from corn oxidized starch and vinyl acetate. The sizing concentration and degree of substitution of modified starch on surface strength, smoothness and water resistance of the paper have been studied. The results showed that the surface strength, smoothness and other properties of paper sized by oxidized acetate starch is better than that of oxidized starch. When the degree of substitution of modified starch is from 0.04 to 0.14, the properties of paper sized by oxidized acetate starch have been improved more effectively.