Abstract: A roller for transferring a liquid-based medium, comprising a foundation body non-affinitive for said medium, an intermediate layer firmly bonded to said foundation body, and an uninterrupted very thin elastic coating firmly bonded to said intermediate layer, said coating having an affinity for said medium. The intermediate layer can be a polymeric sheet or film or preferably a textile material such as flock or especially a woven, knit or non-woven fabric. If the roller is intended to transfer aqueous media the coating may contain hydrophilic additives or comprise a polymer with hydrophilic functional groups; for oily media, oleophilic properties are required.