Abstract: An ink supply system for a printing press for thixotropic inks includes a coating head having a chamber open to a coating cylinder. The chamber includes a supply zone, a return zone and a pressure zone and having a small volume such that all ink contained in the zones is kept in constant motion. A container with an agitator and an exit port is provided. A first pump supplies ink from ink container to the supply zone and a second pump returns ink from the return zone of the chamber to the container. The pumps provide movement and increased pressure to substantially all ink within the chamber.