Abstract: The hardening reaction is very important for the utilization of the blank film. It can improve physical and mechanical properties of the film. However, for the imbibition blank film, it is also of great significance to know how the dye transfer printing properties are influenced by the hardening reaction, aside from the physical and mechanical properties. For this purpose the hardening value of the mordant containing layer was observed rather than the melting point of the film. The hardening value could be. determined by water extraction of the mordant-containing layer. The crosslinkage density of the layer was measured by chromium analysis using colorimetric method and neutron Activation method. The influence of the hardening value on the definition and the colour density of the film was also investigated. The tensile strength of the layer and the degree of swelling of the blank film, which was influenced by the addition of the hardening agent were also determined. The optimum definition of the layer was obtained and the relation between the definition and the crosslinkage density was also determined.