Ink jet printer and method of printing using same

An ink jet printer for printing on a print medium includes a paper transport assembly with a plurality of rolls defining an approach path to a printing area and a return path from a printing area. A printhead positioned in the printing area is configured for jetting ink at selected locations on the print medium. A print medium heating assembly includes a heated roll, a first backup roll and a second backup roll. The heated roll and the first backup roll define a first nip therebetween and the heated roll and the second backup roll define a second nip therebetween. The first nip is positioned in association with the aproach path and the second nip is positioned in association with the return path.