an ink jet recording element including a support having thereon an image - receiving layer , the ink jet recording element containing a metal hydroxide salt , a b . xh 2 o ; wherein : m 2 + is at least one metal ion having a 2 + oxidation state ; a is an organic or inorganic anion ; p is 1 or 2 ; and x is equal to or greater than 0 ; and a and b comprise rational numbers as follows : 0 & lt ; a & lt ; 2 and 0 & lt ; b & lt ; 2 so that the charge of m 2 + is balanced .