Abstract: A composition comprising a blend of (a) a polymeric matrix component comprising crosslinkable polymers made from 80 to 99 parts by weight of at least one .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and from 1 to 20 parts by weight of at least one chelating compound, (b) a liquid-absorbent component comprising a water-absorbent, preferably water-soluble, polymer, and (c) a multivalent metal ion as a crosslinking agent. This composition is capable of forming liquid-absorbent, semi-interpenetrating networks. The composition of this invention can provide polymeric matrices which, when coated on a transparent backing, result in transparent coatings capable of providing improved combinations of ink absorption and durability, while at the same time retaining transparency and being amenable to the types of processing commonly used in producing transparent graphical materials.