A process is disclosed for the preparation of a heat mode recording element of the DRAW type (Direct Read After Write), said process comprising the following steps:(A) providing a material having following layer arrangement, in order:(1) a transparent support optionally subbed,(2) a thin metal layer coated from an aqueous medium containing metal particles,(3) a coated single top layer curable by radiation,(B) radiation curing said coated single top layer (3).In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the metal layer is a bismuth layer.