Pros and Cons of Pre-, Post- and No-bake Plates

"Traditionally, post-baking is done to extend run length," he says. In addition, post-baking is sometimes used to help plates stand up to aggressive chemicals used in the wet market. However, to bake or not to bake is not the only factor to consider when choosing plates. "It's really a preference; plates are often tied into proofing or other factors. [Baking] ovens are often given as a part of the deal. It's more a salesmanship and relationship [with suppliers] issue. They all work on-press."