Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a thermal transfer printing ribbon has a support element, and an ink layer including a thermal melting ink which is a blend of a binder and a colorant, the binder having an ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer and a highly viscous resin which has a melt viscosity of 10.sup.3 to 5.times.10.sup.4 P at 150.degree. C. In accordance with other features of the present invention, a thermal transfer printing ribbon has a support element, and an ink layer which is a blend having a first component, a second component which is not soluble in the first component, and a colorant, the first component including at least one of either an ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer and ethylene-ethyl acrylate, the second component including a highly viscous resin whose melt viscosity is greater than 10.sup.3 P at 150.degree. C.