A printing method includes steps of applying an ink-receptive
coating to a substrate; printing an actinic
radiation-curable ink jet ink over the
coating; and curing the printed ink jet ink. An article printed by the method has a ink-receptive
coating layer with a cured print. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a coating
station at which the ink-receptive coating is applied to a substrate, an ink jet printhead at which the energy-curable ink jet ink is applied, and a source of actinic
radiation for curing the applied ink. The ink may be applied in sufficient amount to achieve a color density comparable to that obtained using other printing processes such as flexographic or gravure printing processes. The ink-receptive coating layer may be of a thickness sufficient to provide improve
surface smoothness and / or reduced drop spread relative to an uncoated substrate.