a method for making a negative - working , heat - sensitive printing plate precursor capable of switching from a hydrophilic state into a hydrophobic state upon exposure to heat and / or infrared light , including the steps of providing a support having a surface comprising titanium , modifying the surface by producing an oxide of titanium following the steps of anodizing the support and annealing the anodized support under reduced pressure . additionally , a method for making a negative - working , heat - sensitive printing plate precursor capable of switching from a hydrophilic state into a hydrophobic state upon exposure to heat and / or infrared light , including the steps of providing a support having a surface including titanium , modifying the surface by producing an oxide of titanium following the steps of etching the support and anodizing the etched support .