A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount from 1% to 40% by weight of the ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from fluorinated surfactants, ionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.