A method of producing a printing plate comprises: (a) providing a printing plate precursor comprising a topmost etchable first layer and a second layer located below the first layer, wherein the first and second layers have different affinities for at least one printing liquid; (b) imagewise providing atomized fluid particles in an interaction zone located above the surface of the first layer; and (c) imagewise directing laser energy into the interaction zone, wherein the laser energy has a wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized fluid particles in the interaction zone, and the absorption of the laser energy causes the atomized fluid particles to imagewise impart kinetic energy to and etch the first layer. Lithographic and flexographic printing plates may be prepared according to this method, including waterless plates, negative-and positive-working plates, and processless plates.