an inkjet printing method with the steps of : i ) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals ; ii ) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element having a support having thereon in order : a ) at least one porous , ink - retaining layer ; and b ) a fusible , porous ink - transporting layer having fusible , polymeric particles and a film - forming , hydrophobic binder ; iii ) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition ; iv ) printing on the image - receiving layer using the ink jet ink composition in response to the digital data signals ; and v ) fusing the fusible , porous ink - transporting layer to provide a continuous polymeric layer on the surface of the ink jet recording element .