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 an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer, the ink jet recording element containing a metal hydroxide salt, (M²⁺)(OH)_a(A^p-)_b.xH₂O; wherein: M²⁺ is at least one metal ion having a 2+ oxidation state; A is an organic or inorganic anion; p is 1 or 2; and x is equal to or greater than 0; and a and b comprise rational numbers as follows: 0a2 and 0b2 so that the charge of M²⁺ is balanced; C) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition; and D) printing on the ink jet recording element using the ink jet ink composition in response to the digital data signals.