A thermal dye transfer receiver, which comprises a three-dimensionally cross-linked dye-receiving(imaging)layer, has been developed. The dye-receiving layer is a polyurethane coating employing aliphatic polyisocyanates, bisphenol A-containing polyols, and a tin catalyst.The major technical challenges during technology development were: (a) to develop and employ new materials and chemistry in achieving desirable image quality and physical performance, (b) to enable cross-linking reaction to completion during the formation of the dye-receiving layer, i.e., no post-curing was required, and (c) to modulate and optimize the degree of cross-linking in the dye-receiving layer in such a manner as to enhance the physical performance of the receiver without hampering the dye-transfer efficiency, which is due to a rather restricted three-dimensional network.The advantages of the developed cross-linked dye-receiving layer comprise: (1) superior photographic sensitometry, color balance, and customer-preferred neutral tone; (2) excellent release between dye donor and receiver during thermal printing; (3) a simpler dye-receiving layer structure; (4) very good light fastness; and (5) the elimination of the use of chlorinated coating solvent previously used for making the dye-receiving layer.