Abstract: Imagewise differential oleophilicity is formed on a planographic printing member by imagewise photoexposure, generally with a Yag laser, of an aluminium silicate image forming layer, generally of a boehmite hydrate layer such as is formed by contact of anodized or other aluminium substrate with sodium silicate. A print resistant image may be formed by applying to an image surface having imagewise differential oleophilicity a selective coating composition comprising an organic phase, generally in an amount of 90 to 75% by volume, containing film forming resin and that will preferentially wet and deposit resin on the image areas, and an aqueous phase, generally in an amount of 10 to 25% by volume, that will preferentially wet and prevent resin deposition on the background areas, and hardening the resin.

Abstract: A print member has a print surface of an epoxy novolac resin. It is particularly suitable for use as an intaglio print member that is to be laser engraved. It is best made by powder coating a powdered epoxy novolac composition onto the substrate fusing and curing it, polishing it to give non-print characteristics and then further curing it, either before or after engraving.

Abstract: A print surface is formed by photoexposure of a photocurable resin layer through a photomask comprising an image-wise distribution of opaque material on its image surface, and sticking of the image surface to the resin layer during photoexposure is prevented by providing over the image surface a clear thin film of a natural gum or other material that is impermeable to softeners such as alcohols that are liberated from the resin layer. A coated photomask may be made by image-wise laser scanning of a transparent sheet to which opaque material such as graphite is bonded by a binder such as an alkyl cellulose, followed by application of the film over the resultant image-wise distribution of opaque material.