an ink jet printing process for improving the water - fastness of an ink jet image comprising the steps of : a ) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals ; b ) loading the printer with an image - recording element comprising a support having thereon an ink - receptive layer comprising a cross - linkable polymer ; c ) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition comprising water , an anionic , water - soluble dye and from about 0 . 1 to about 5 % by weight of a hardener ; and d ) printing on the image - recording element using the ink jet ink composition in response to the digital data signals .