Developing electrophotographic images using aqueous ink and treating smooth, hydrophobic image surface with cleaning liquid

In a copying process wherein a latent image produced by electrostatic charging and exposure on a chargeable imaging surface containing at least one organic photoconductor is developed by means of an aqueous ink and transferred onto a receiving material and the imaging surface is then cleaned,

• the improvement comprising that (a) said imaging surface has a completely smooth, hydrophobic surface to which the aqueous ink is applied by means of a known structured applicator element, (b) said aqueous ink applied to said imaging surface does not wet said surface and (c) using a cleaning liquid to detach residual ink still present after transfer, said cleaning liquid being easily wiped off by a simple, sharp-edged doctor blade or by use of an air brush and forming a wetting angle of more than 90.degree. with said imaging surface.