Abstract: A method of thermal transfer printing on a substrate includes the steps of determining, on a pixel by pixel basis, where colorant is to be located on the substrate; applying an image-enhancing precoat to each pixel where colorant is to be located, as well as to at least one immediately adjacent pixel; and depositing a colorant onto the precoated predetermined pixels. The precoating that is applied to the immediately adjacent pixels helps retain the precoating to the substrate, among other advantages. A second method, for printing on a rough substrate, includes steps of applying an image enhancing precoat so as to form bridges across valleys of said rough surface; and subsequently depositing a colorant onto the precoat. A third printing method includes the steps of applying a precoat to the substrate which has one or more voids defined therein; and depositing a colorant onto the precoat so as to bridge over the voids in the precoat. Related systems and printed products are also disclosed.