A method of assessing percentage dot in flexographic printing plates or
the like includes superimposing the printing plate and a further, smooth
surfaced sheet or plate of material of a reflective index greater than
air, so that the "high" regions of the printing surface of the printing
plate make intimate contact with the adjoining surface of said further
plate. The superimposed sheet is illuminated in such a way that the
difference in the light reflection between the areas of the further sheet
which are not in intimate contact with the printing plate and those areas
which are provide a significant difference in apparent brightness between
the "high" regions and the "low" regions. The difference in apparent
brightness can be detected by visual, automatic or photo detection means.