Abstract: A multilayer recording element is suitable for the production of flexographic printing plates by digital information transfer and has, arranged one on top of the other on a dimensionally stable substrate, a layer (A) crosslinkable by actinic radiation, a layer (B) sensitive to IR radiation and, if required, a peelable cover sheet, the layer (A) crosslinkable by actinic radiation being capable of being washed out by means of a developer after imagewise exposure and consisting essentially of a mixture of at least one elastomeric binder, ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable organic compounds, a photoinitiator and, if required, further assistants, and the layer (B) sensitive to IR radiation being a layer which is soluble or dispersible in the developer and contains, in a film-forming binder having elastomeric character, at least one finely divided substance which has a high absorbance in the wavelength range from 750 to 20,000 nm.

Abstract: A process utilizing a pigmented aqueous basecoat composition which contains as the film-forming material a water-thinnable emulsion polymer. The water-thinnable emulsion polymer is prepared in a two-stage emulsion polymerization. In the first stage a polymer is prepared having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.G1) of +30.degree. to +110.degree. C. In the second stage a mixture of monomers is polymerized in the presence of the polymer prepared in the first stage, which mixture, polymerized on its own, would give a polymer with a glass transition temperature (T.sub.G2) of -60.degree. to +20.degree. C. The hydroxyl value of the emulsion polymer is between 2 and 100.