an ink jet printing method , comprising the steps of : a ) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals ; b ) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon in order : a ) a hydrophilic , fluid - absorbing layer , and b ) an image - receptive layer capable of retaining an ink jet image , the image - receiving layer comprising an open - pore membrane of a mixture of a water - insoluble polymer and a water - absorbent polymer , the mixture containing at least about 25 % by weight of the water - absorbent polymer ; c ) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition ; and d ) printing on the ink jet recording element using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals .