A printable recording media including a supporting base substrate having, on its image side, a pre-coating layer that contains inorganic pigments and polymeric binders, and a top ink-receiving layer that includes inorganic pigments, polymeric binders and non-film forming polymers; and, having a polymer barrier layer on its backside. Also described herein is a method for making the printable recording media, a method for forming printed articles, and the obtained printed articles.