A method for eliminating unwanted ink-receptive sections in positive
working printing plates resulting from shading of the surface layer
during exposure by the clamps holding the plate on the exposure apparatus
following development of an imagewise exposed precursor. Accordingly the
areas that are shaded are identified prior to development and the surface
layer is scored in those areas to a depth and density sufficient to
result in the scored layer being removed during development but not deep
enough to damage the underlying hydrophilic layer.