Embodiments disclosed herein include a method of developing a patterning stack. In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a patterning stack, where the patterning stack comprises an underlayer and a photoresist over the underlayer, and where the underlayer has a first adhesion strength with the photoresist. The method may further comprise exposing and developing the photoresist with electromagnetic radiation and a developer, where scum remains on a surface of the underlayer. In an embodiment, the method further comprises treating the underlayer so that the underlayer has a second adhesion strength with the scum, and removing the scum.