A method of manufacturing patterned magnetic or magneto-optical (MO) recording media, comprising steps of: (a) providing a workpiece including a substrate for a magnetic or magneto-optical (MO) recording medium, the workpiece including at least one major surface of hydrophilic character; (b) providing a liquid composition comprising a resist or thermoplastic polymer material, adapted for substantially complete wetting of the at least one major surface of the workpiece; (c) forming a layer of the resist or thermoplastic polymer material on the at least one major surface of the workpiece, comprising applying a thin layer of the liquid composition to the at least one major surface of the workpiece; and (d) patterning the at least one major surface of the workpiece utilizing the layer of the resist or thermoplastic polymer material.