METHOD FOR MAKING A LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING PLATE

A method for making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: (1) providing a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor including a heat-sensitive coating on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, the heat-sensitive coating including a first layer including a first polymer which is water-insoluble and alkali-soluble, and on the first layer, a second layer including a second polymer which is -water-insoluble and alkali-soluble, and an infrared absorbing dye present in at least one of the first and second layer, (2) image-wise exposing the precursor with IR-radiation or heat wherein the second layer exhibits an increased solubility in an aqueous alkaline developing solution, and (3) developing the image-wise exposed precursor with an aqueous alkaline developing solution, the solution including an alkali metal or ammonium salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, having 8 to 11 carbon atoms. According to the above method, the formation of insoluble products in the developing solution is inhibited or reduced.