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Abstract

A process for treating an imaged printing form, in particular a printing form covered with amphiphilic molecules or with polymers, such as saccharides, includes applying a gum, in particular a microscopic gum layer, to the surface of the printing form in the liquid state. The gum is removed or reduced down to a remaining nanoscopic covering after a short or negligible time interval, relative to the time interval until the application of lithographic liquid, for example dampening solution or printing ink, to the surface. The removal or reduction of the gum is preferably carried out in the still liquid state, i.e. before the applied gum dries on, and preferably immediately after the application. The remaining gum covering protects the printing form against contaminants and increases its hydrophily/hydrophoby contrast. An apparatus for treating an imaged printing form, a re-imageable printing form and a machine for processing printing material, are also provided.

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First Claim