A method of printing on a household surface can comprise the steps of selecting a household surface for ink-jet printing; preparing the household surface by applying a pre-coat material to the household surface, wherein the pre-coat material can be configured to adhere to the household surface and accept a water-based ink-jet ink composition to a degree greater than the household surface in an uncoated condition; optionally, allowing the pre-coat material to substantially dry on the household surface; and ink-jet printing a color-containing ink-jet ink onto the pre-coat material after the pre-coat material has substantially dried on the household surface. Additionally, a method of reducing color to color bleed when ink-jet printing on a household surface can comprise the steps of providing a digital image having a first color pixel pattern and a second color pixel pattern; digitally masking the first color pixel pattern by removing pixels and causing the first color pixel pattern and the second color pixel pattern to be separated by a distance of at least one pixel, thereby forming a modified digital image; and ink-jet printing the modified digital image.