Process of making colored images using aqueous processable photosensitive elements

Claim 1

A process for preparing a colored image comprising: (A) providing a multilayer photosensitive element comprising, in order: (1) a photosolubilizable layer consisting essentially of: (a) a photosolubilizing agent and (b) an acid-labile polymer having a polymer backbone and pendent acid-labile groups bound to the polymer backbone, said pendent acid-labile groups being represented by the formula: --CO.sub.2 --C(R.sup.1)(OR2)--CH(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4) where: R 1 is hydrogen or alkyl from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; R 2 is alkyl from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms; R 3 and R 4 are each independently hydrogen or alkyl from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; wherein either R 1 and R 2 ; R 1 and R 3 ; or R 2 and R 3 may be joined to form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring; (2) an elastomeric layer; and (3) a removable support; (B) forming a latent image in said photosensitive element by exposing said photosolubilizable layer to actinic radiation through an image-bearing transparency; (C) removing regions of said photosolubilizable layer decomposed in step B by washing with an aqueous solvent, thereby revealing regions of the elastomeric layer; (D) producing a colored image by applying colorant material to the surface of said photosensitive element, said colorant material selectively adhering only to revealed regions of the elastomeric layer; (E) providing a transfer element comprising a transfer sheet and an elastomeric layer; (F) laminating the surface of the photosensitive element bearing the colored image to the elastomeric layer of said transfer element; (G) removing said removable support of said photosensitive element to reveal the elastomeric layer; and (H) laminating the elastomeric layer of said photosensitive element to a receptor.