Patent ID: 7198876

Claim:
A method for preparation of a lithographic printing plate, which comprises the steps of: imagewise recording on a lithographic negative thermosensitive printing plate precursor comprising a support having a hydrophilic surface and a thermosensitive layer, the thermosensitive layer comprising at least one of polymer particles and microcapsules encapsulating an oleophilic compound therein, where the polymer particles and the microcapsules each have a hydrophilic surface and are dispersible in water; showering the lithographic negative thermosensitive printing plate precursor with processing liquid; and rubbing the printing plate precursor with a rubbing member in the presence of a processing liquid with an automatic processor provided with the rubbing member to remove the thermosensitive layer of non-image portions; wherein the thermosensitive layer contains the at least one of polymer particles and microcapsules in an amount of 50% by weight or more of the solids content of the thermosensitive layer.