Azura plates query

Been running AGFA Azura plates for about a month now with no major issues other than the occasional lost plate after overnight gumming.

SOP is to w/up rollers, then drop formes and dampener onto plate and rinse ink off. Lift inkers and squirt a jet of neat gum onto the dampener whilst it's still on the plate lifting off after a few revolutions.

Occasionally the morning shift find that a noticeable pattern running from grip to tail is 'burned' into the plate image area...as if the gum has blinded the image - we use the approved gum from the washout unit.

First thoughts are to dilute the gum, or maybe apply gum and leave to dry before w/up. (perhaps the ink on the image areas would protect better).

Any ideas or suggestions welcome.