Abstract: An inking fountain for a printing press, preferably for a high speed flexographic press, includes an ink applicator and a pre-inking applicator. In the pre-inking applicator, the roller is partially immersed in ink, and thereafter encounters a pre-wiper element, which is closely spaced from the roller and has a leading surface arranged at an angle for forcing ink against the roller surface. A knife is arranged at the leading edge of the ink applicator, for interrupting the boundary layer of air on the roller prior to the roller surface entering the fountain cavity. Within the cavity, which preferably includes baffles, ink is fed and applied to the roller surface. Excess ink is scraped from the roller surface, by a reverse angle doctor blade, as the roller leaves the cavity. In such manner, the press can be operated at high speed without starvation or foaming of the ink, as in conventional systems. Also, a cleaning system is provided for readily washing the press at the end of each run.