Water resistant ink jet recording media topcoats

Abstract

Coating compositions for making ink jet recording media are disclosed which comprise a mixture of a binder composition comprising a non-cationic water-insoluble binder resin having a surface energy greater than 40 dyn/cm dissolved or dispersed in an alcoholic liquid medium or dispersed in an aqueous liquid medium, the liquid medium having a boiling point less than 150.degree. C. and a viscosity up to 100 kpa:s at 25.degree. C., and hydrophilic pigment particles having a number average particle size in the range from 1-25 microns and an oil absorption of at least 60 g oil/100 g particles, the composition having a pigment particle to binder resin weight ratio in the range from 0.5:1 to 3:1. A recording medium for ink jet printing is also described which may be made using this coating composition, along with a process for making it. A process for making a water-resistant color image on a support material using the described recording medium, along with the product obtainable by that process, is also disclosed. The color image has superior wear resistance and weatherability, making it well-suited for outdoor use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.