A method for making an element containing an array of microspheres on a support, the method comprising the steps of: coating a support with a coating composition to form a receiving layer with a modifiable elastic modulus; coating on the receiving layer a dispersion of microspheres in a carrier fluid; modifying the modulus to allow the microspheres to partially submerge into the intermediate layer; removing the fluid medium from the suspension of microspheres; and fixing the microspheres on the receiving layer so that the element can withstand wet processing.