A method and apparatus for applying a thin film of newsprint ink to a printing plate, the apparatus comprising a metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface. The transfer roller is in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller. By controlling the relative speeds between the form roller and the transfer roller, slippage occurs which meters a thin film of ink onto the form roller for transfer and application to the printing plate. A material conditioning roller is in rolling contact with the form roller to produce a matte finish on the newly formed film of ink and smooth same to render the film of ink conditioned for application to the printing form.
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