A process for the production of a heat-mode recording material having "direct read after write" (DRAW) capability and containing a heat-mode recording layer on a permanent support, wherein said process comprises in consecutive order the steps of (1) forming a laminated web by laminating with heat and pressure to said recording layer a single adhesive layer or multiple layer assemblage carried by a web-type temporary support which layer or layer assemblage has a thickness not larger than 20 .mu.m, and (2) separating said temporary support from said adhesive layer leaving said single adhesive layer through hardening as a protective element on said recording layer, or (2') separating said temporary support from said adhesive layer assemblage leaving said layer assemblage as a protective element on said recording layer through hardening of at least the outermost layer of the transferred layer assemblage.