A process for preparing an imaging surface of an imaging transfer member in a printing machine, the process comprises providing a surface roughness to the imaging surface to produce a plurality of pits having sharp features on the surface, and then exposing the pitted imaging surface to an acid dip for a time period sufficient to substantially reduce the sharp features on the imaging surface. This process may be followed by anodization. The process produces an imaging surface having a pit structure providing reduced oil consumption and wear of components of the printing machine that contact the imaging surface.