an ink jet printing method having 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 having a support having thereon , in order , a hydrophilic absorbing layer and a polymeric overcoat layer of a derivitized poly having at least one hydroxyl group replaced by ether or ester groups , the polymeric overcoat layer also containing a sulfurous acid salt and an ammonium salt ; c ) loading the printer with an ink jet ink ; and d ) printing on the image - receiving layer using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals .