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 the following layers in order: i) a base layer having a polymeric binder, a polymeric mordant and a stabilizer, and ii) an overcoat layer having a polymeric UV-absorbing material, C) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition of water, a humectant, and a water-soluble dye, and D) printing on the overcoat layer using the ink jet ink in response to the digital data signals.