Abstract: Apparatus for practicing the process of the present invention includes a flashing section which emits high-velocity, hot air onto the substrate, and a drying and curing section disposed downstream of the flashing section which emits high-velocity, hot air and radiant energy onto the substrate. The flashing and drying/curing sections are fluidically connected to an exhaust duct disposed upstream of the flashing section whereby the spent hot air, and entrained volatiles, are exhausted and recirculated for subsequent flashing and drying/curing process steps. The flashing section comprises air knives having their exhaust directions inclined in the upstream direction toward the exhaust duct, and fresh ambient air may also enter the exhaust stream from a downstream position so as to alter the percentage of volatiles within the recirculated air stream.