A radiation image read-out apparatus comprises a light shielding material removal section for removing a light shielding material by dissolution or separation from a stimulable phosphor sheet comprising a stimulable phosphor layer and the light shielding material which is provided at least on a surface on the stimulable phosphor layer side and which is removable by dissolution in a solvent or by physical separation, the stimulable phosphor sheet carrying a radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor layer. A read-out section is provided for reading out the radiation image by exposing the stimulable phosphor sheet, from which the light shielding material has been removed, to stimulating rays which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the stored radiation energy, and photoelectrically detecting the emitted light.