A polymerizing agent is applied to a substrate followed by a layer of a liquid composition containing both a polymerizable residue and a photocurable residue. The polymerizable residue is polymerized by the polymerizing agent first applied so that the layer solidifies but remains photocurable. Subsequently this solidified layer is exposed to actinic radiation in a predetermined pattern and those parts of the layer that are not photocured are removed by treatment with a suitable solvent.Typical polymerizable residues include cyanoacrylates, the polymerizing agents for which may be water, ammonium hydroxide solution, an alkali metal hydroxide solution, or an amine. Typical photocurable residues include acrylates and methacrylates.The process is suitable for the manufacture of printing plates and printed circuits.