A no-process printing plate forming photosensitive article having a protective top coat layer is described. The top coat layer may be a water soluble or dispersible polymer, sol, salt, or mixture thereof. The protective top coat layer may provide the no-process printing plate with protection from contamination during handling, improved suppression of odors during imaging, and improved roll-up performance on press. The hydrophilic protective top coat is removed on press by action of the fountain solution and/or ink.