Methods and aqueous surface coating compositions are provided for producing a high-resolution ink-jet ink printable coating layer on a surface, the composition comprising at least one polymer selected from a water soluble polymer and a water-emulsifiable polymer, wherein the at least one polymer is present in a concentration of up to 10% by weight and at least one surfactant comprising a long hydrophobic moiety, wherein the at least one surfactant is present in a concentration of up to 10% by weight. The high-resolution ink-jet ink printable coating layer is characterized by its ability to be removed by spraying with water, and yet having excellent resistance to heat and acid, when coated with cured legend ink.