The present invention relates to an ink recording element comprising a hydrophilic absorbing layer and a hydrophilic overcoat polymer layer comprising cellulose ether and a vinyl latex polymer. An optional inner layer may be placed between the hydrophilic absorbing layer and the laminate adhesion promoting hydrophilic overcoat polymer. Another embodiment of the invention relates to an ink printing method comprising providing an ink recording element as described above, and applying liquid ink droplets thereon in an image-wise manner.