Abstract: Apparatus and process for drying coated surfaces, e.g. inked surfaces, with improved efficiency. The apparatus comprises an air-directing baffle which has vortex-inducing means, e.g. grooves or slots therein. The slots are arranged substantially perpendicular to the general direction of flow of drying gas through a drying zone formed by the baffle and the surface being dried. The vortices provide both (1) improved drying efficiency at the interface between coated surface and drying gas and (2) effective dissipation of kinetic energy from the drying gas as it traverses the drying zone. Less energy is required to exhaust spent drying gas from the drying zone while effectively preventing the gas from escaping into the environment. In dual-drier systems, fed by centrally located air nozzles, means is provided to avoid an asperating effect which tends to suck the web toward the apparatus.