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 ink jet recording elements with a support having thereon an image - receiving layer of a polymer having a given contact angle ; c ) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition ; d ) printing on the image - receiving layer using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals to form an imaged recording element ; and e ) heating the imaged recording element sufficiently to cause the layer of polymer to increase the contact angle at least about 15 degrees .