Abstract: A tandem type direct printing apparatus 2 comprising a plurality of printing stations 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d for depositing printing particles 38 on a print medium 8. The plurality of printing stations 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are positioned in a moving direction of the print medium 8. Each printing station 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d comprises a bearing member 30 for bearing charged printing particles 38 thereon, a backing electrode 44 opposed to the bearing member 38, a printing head 50 disposed between the bearing member 30 and the backing electrode 44, the printing head 50 having a plurality of apertures 56 through which the printing particles 38 can propel and a plurality of electrodes 68 disposed around the plurality of apertures 56.