Process and preparation of monochrome and polychromatic color proofs from high resolution color separations using image carriers having a specified roughness

A process for making high resolution monochromatic or polychromatic proofs, comprising:

• (a) applying a radiation-sensitive recording layer, optionally containing a colorant or dye, to an image carrier wherein the image carrier has an image-side surface with a maximum average roughness (RZ) of about 0.25 to about 0.37 μm and wherein the radiation-sensitive recording layer contacts the image-side surface of the image carrier;
• (b) imagewise exposing the radiation-sensitive surface recording layer through a high resolution color separation selected from a frequency modulated screen having a dot diameter of less than 25 μm or a line screen with 2% dots having a resolution above 80 lines/cm;
• (c) developing the radiation-sensitive surface recording layer of step (b) to form a developed recording layer by selecting from the group consisting of developing the recording layer containing a colorant and applying a toner powder or a toner film when the recording layer does not contain a colorant;
• (d) optionally applying a second, third or fourth radiation-sensitive recording layer to the preceding developed recording layer and repeating steps (b)-(d);
• wherein the high resolution monochromatic or polychromatic proofs capture the dot diameter of the frequency modulated screen or the resolution of the line screen to form a high resolution monochromatic or polychromatic proof of said screen or screens.