Abstract: A liquid transfer arrangement for applying a printing liquid to a printing surface, for example, in a printing apparatus comprising a liquid transfer roller, a printing cylinder with a peripheral printing plate in surface contact with the transfer roller, and an impression cylinder in peripheral surface contact with the printing cylinder for conveying a printable substrate therebetween. The liquid transfer arrangement comprises an encasement arcuately surrounding a substantial circumferential portion of the transfer roller surface to define a substantially uniform constricted radial spacing therebetween for containing a limited quantity of the printing liquid to be carried by the transfer roller to the printing cylinder. A device associated with the encasement feeds a printing liquid supply into the radial spacing for take up by the transfer roller surface.