Abstract: In addition to having two lithographic layers of complementary lithographic character, an electrically inscribable lithographic printing blank may be provided with a solid but solvent-removable protective surface layer serving to inhibit spurious abrasion of the underlying layer during inscription of the blank and prior handling and storage. To prepare a printing plate from the blank, an electric current is passed between the blank and an electrical stylus so as to inscribe through the protective layer and immediately underlying layer and expose the bottom layer locally, whereafter the protective layer is removed by treatment with solvent to expose the surface of the underlying layer.