Lithographic element comprising support and hydrophilic layer

A process for the preparation of a lithographic plate comprising the steps of:

• imagewise exposing to light a lithographic element which comprises a support, a hydrophilic layer and a light-sensitive layer in that order to form a hardened area and an unhardened area in the light-sensitive layer, wherein the hydrophilic layer contains fine particles of silicon dioxide dispersed in gelatin, said particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m, said particles being contained in the layer in an amount of not more than 2 g per m.sup.2, and said gelatin having an average molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 300,000, and wherein the light-sensitive layer contains a photopolymerization initiator, a cross-linkable polymer and a sulfur compound, said cross-linkable polymer having a group containing hydrogen, and said hydrogen being removable by attack of sulfur radical;
• and
• removing the unhardened area of the light-sensitive layer.