Abstract: A pressurized ink applicator for an intaglio printing press using viscous stiff-bodied ink is provided with an ink-shearing element or heating element within the applicator nozzle to apply energy to the ink thereby to improve its flow properties immediately before its application to the printing plate of the press. A tight seal between the nozzle and the printing plate is provided by spaced blades resiliently mounted in the nozzle. Ink is forced by air pressure from an ink container into the nozzle. A distributing manifold is provided in the flow path from a plurality of ink containers to the nozzle immediately before multiple parallel restrictions in the ink flow path. An optional sliding valve operating transversely in relation to the ink flow path controllably cuts off the flow of ink, as for example when gaps between printing plate edges pass by the nozzle. The sliding valve is controlled by a cam moving with the printing plate.