Abstract: This invention concerns an ink composition for thermal ink-jet printing consisting of an aqueous solution, a co-solvent, a dye, a pH regulator, a viscosity modifier, a biocide and a mixture of three non-ionic surface-active agents, one of which is diethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether and the other two are fatty ethoxylate alcohols. This ink composition allows drying times to be reduced to under 2 seconds, gives the printing high water resistance and permits use of the papers known as "recycled" with very good quality printing results, without in any way impairing storage capability, operation and endurance of the printhead.