A recording method for printing on a plastic film surface of a print medium by ejecting droplets of a water-based ink composition onto the plastic film surface includes applying a water-based ink composition on the plastic film surface, and heating the water-based ink composition on the plastic film surface to a temperature of 40.degree. C. or more. The water-based ink composition contains a coloring agent, 0.1% to 1.5% by weight of a silicone surfactant, an acetylene glycol surfactant, a pyrrolidone derivative, a thermoplastic resin, and water.