an ink jet printing process for improving the dye density and fixability of an ink jet image comprising : a ) providing an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image - recording layer comprising a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polyolefin polymer or wax ; and b ) applying droplets of a liquid ink on the image - recording layer in an image - wise manner , the ink comprising water , humectant and a water - soluble cationic or basic dye .