Patent ID: 7297467

Claim:
A method of making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of (a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer and (ii) a coating provided thereon which comprises hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles; (b) exposing the precursor to IR-light or heat, thereby inducing coalescence of the thermoplastic polymer particles at exposed areas of the coating; (c) applying a hydrophilic protective layer on the coating without completely removing the coating on the non-exposed areas; (d) mounting the precursor on a print cylinder of a printing press; and (e) developing the precursor by supplying an aqueous dampening liquid and/or ink to said precursor while rotating said print cylinder whereby the coating and the hydrophilic protective layer are removed from the support on the non-exposed areas, wherein step (c) is carried out afier step (b) and before step (d).