A method of making a thermally processable imaging element which comprises:i) forming a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) in water;ii) adding matte particles to the resulting aqueous medium;iii) adding a compound of the formula I or formula II to the aqueous medium in an amount sufficient to inhibit agglomeration of the matte particles: ##STR1## wherein: the substituents are as described in the specification; iv) coating an image recording layer onto one side of a support;v) coating the aqueous medium containing the matte particles as an overcoat layer over the image recording layer or as backing layer on the side of the support opposite the image recording layer.