Abstract: Disclosed is a ink receiving matte coating composition and ink receiving media ink jet printing which comprises a transparent, translucent, or opaque base support, such as polyester film, on to which a matte, opaque ink receptive layer is applied on at least one side. The ink receptive matte coating composition of the present invention is comprised of one or more hydrophilic, water soluble polymers, a hydrophobic cellulose ether polymer, a polyalkylene glycol, and a filler, or filler/pigment combination, for making the layer opaque. The ink receiving media described herein allows for quick drying of ink jet printing inks while controlling the edge sharpness of the printed areas and is resistant to moisture and humidity effects, such as fingerprinting, slowed ink drying times, and easy removal of the coated ink receptive layer with moisture, thus increasing its value as an archivable storage media for ink jet printed images.