Method of making overlay proofs comprising precolored and toned images

Claim 1

A process for preparing a multilayer, multicolor overlay proof comprising at least one precolored overlay image and at least one toned overlay image, comprising the steps of: (A) providing at least two different conventional color separation transparencies of the image to be reproduced, all of which are either positive or negative, and each comprising an emulsion image on a base; (B) providing at least one precolored photosensitive overlay element and at least one non-colored, tonable photosensitive overlay element, all of which are either positive or negative working as required by said separation transparencies; (C) exposing a precolored photosensitive overlay element to actinic radiation through its corresponding color separation transparency with the emulsion side of the transparency down, and developing to provide a precolored overlay image; (D) exposing a non-colored, tonable photosensitive element through a different color separation transparency with the emulsion side of the transparency up, developing and toning with a correspondingly colored toner to provide a toned overlay image, and inverting said toned overlay image to obtain the correct left to right orientation; and (E) assembling in register, said developed precolored overlay image in exposure position and said developed toned overlay image in inverted position to form a multilayer, multicolor overlay proof with correct left to right orientation; wherein steps (C) and (D) may be carried out in either order.