Spreading ink over a press plate using a heater

An apparatus comprising:

• a platform configured to at least partially support a substrate thereon;
• and
• a print assembly positioned over the platform and comprising:
• an ink dispenser configured to dispense radiation-curable ink onto the substrate;
• a heater configured to heat the ink such that the ink spreads over the substrate;
• and
• a radiation source configured to irradiate the ink such that the spreading of the ink over the substrate is at least partially slowed.

A method for creating a textured press plate that can be used to produce textured decorative laminates, the method comprising:

• printing a design on the press plate, wherein the printing comprises:
• dispensing ink onto the press plate, wherein the ink at least partially gels after the ink comes into contact with the press plate;
• and
• heating, using a heater, the ink until the ink spreads over the press plate;
• and
• etching a surface portion of the press plate by exposing the portion to a chemical solution, wherein the surface portion comprises the ink, and wherein the etching occurs after the heating.