A a lithographic printing method comprising repetition of the steps of exposing a printing plate precursor having on the surface thereof a thin layer comprising TiO.sub.2, ZnO or at least one compound selected from the group consisting of RTiO.sub.3 wherein R represents an alkaline earth metal atom, AB.sub.2-x C.sub.x D.sub.3-x E.sub.x O.sub.10 wherein A represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal atom; B represents an alkaline earth metal atom or a lead atom; C represents a rare earth atom; D represents a metal atom of the group 5A of the Periodic Table; E represents a metal atom of the group 4A of the Periodic Table; and x represents a number of from 0 to 2, SnO.sub.2, Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 to active light to make the exposed area hydrophilic, and making the hydrophilic area hydrophobic by heat treatment.