A photosensitive resin printing plate precursor including: a
photosensitive resin layer (A) containing a water-soluble or
water-dispersible resin and an ultraviolet-curable monomer; and a
water-insoluble heat-sensitive mask layer (C) containing an
infrared-absorbing material, deposited in that order on a support is
disclosed. By introducing a crosslinked structure or a hydrophobic
constituent to the heat-sensitive mask layer (C) so as to be insoluble in
water, a difference in polarity is produced between the layers (A) and
(C) and, thus, mass transfer between the two layers can be prevented.
Also, the scratch resistance of the heat-sensitive mask layer (C) can be
dramatically enhanced and, thus, the printing plate precursor becomes
easy to handle.