Abstract: A dampening system for a printing apparatus incorporates a water fountain and a fountain roller partly immersed in water held in the water fountain. A metering roller is pivotally mounted for swinging movement about the axis of the fountain roller. A form roller is provided, along with a drive for positively rotating the form roller. An oscillator roller is in contact with the form roller, and the dampening system is such that water can pass from the metering roller to the oscillator roller. This includes a receiving roller which is such that the metering roller is pressed by gravity against the receiving roller. A motor is provided for driving the fountain roller in rotation. In one embodiment, the receiving roller is the oscillator roller, whereas in another embodiment, the receiving roller is a separate transfer roller in contact with both the oscillator roller and the metering roller.