A printing plate is prepared for the insertion of images by applying an ink accepting layer and an ink repelling layer to it. A developing fluid is sprayed onto the ink repelling layer by an ink jet printing group. The developing fluid is sprayed in the image to be printer and the ink repelling layer is etched or dissolved in the sprayed area. The etched or dissolved areas of the ink repelling layer are removed. The method is particularly adapted for use with a waterless printing plate having an ink repelling layer of silicon.