Abstract: The present invention relates to ink-receiving print media products capable of improving smear for pigmented inks. The products have at least one ink-receiving layer supported by a substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a binder blend and a pigment, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, styrene-acrylate copolymer, and silica. The print media product has excellent smear resistance when pigment-based ink is printed on the ink receiving layer of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and materials that improve the printing properties of pigmented inks on glossy media, especially smear resistance, gloss, and differential gloss. The method is to apply a very uniform thin coating based on low molecular weight water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and acrylic resins and medium-high molecular weight polymer emulsion/dispersion on printed images. The polymers have good film formation and mechanical/physical properties. They also preferably have good jettability, either by thermal or piezo methods. The thin coating is preferably applied by jetting process through one of chambers of the ink cartridges, but can be applied by other processes such as Meyer rod, roll coater, etc.