Image Forming Method and Ink-Jet Recording Apparatus

An image forming method for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising:

• preparing the recording medium which is fabric or recording paper;
• and
• determining whether a first recording mode or a second recording mode is executed;
• in the first recording mode, discharging a first discharge amount (IF) of a water-based ink per unit area onto the fabric by an ink-jet system;
• and
• in the second recording mode, discharging a second discharge amount (IP) of the water-based ink per unit area onto the recording paper by the ink-jet system, the water-based ink being identical to the water-based ink in the first recording mode, wherein
• the preparation of the recording medium includes:
• selecting the fabric or the recording paper;
• when the fabric is selected, applying a first application amount (TF) of a treatment agent per unit area to the fabric, the treatment agent coagulating the water-based ink or increasing viscosity of the water-based ink;
• when the recording paper is selected, selecting whether or not the treatment agent is applied to the recording paper;
• and
• when the application of the treatment agent to the recording paper is selected, applying a second application amount (TP) of the treatment agent per unit area to the recording paper, the second application amount (TP) being smaller than the first application amount (TF).