A mask element for flexographic printing is provided. The mask element can be used for preparing a mask that has a mask image. The mask element can include: a transparent polymeric carrier sheet; a base layer on the transparent polymeric carrier sheet, wherein the base layer comprises lecithin in a polymer binder; and an imaging layer on the base layer, wherein the imaging layer includes a non-silver halide thermally-ablatable material comprising an ablatable polymeric binder and a colorant (e.g., carbon black), and optionally an infrared (IR) dye. In some aspects, the mask element further includes a transparent overcoat layer on the imaging layer. The mask can include: imaged regions in the imaging layer and non-imaged regions in the imaging layer.

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