A device for printing cans, a process for printing cans, a printed can and a transfer blanket

A method of preparing a transfer blanket having improved resolution low-relief features in a dry offset rotary container decorator, wherein the decorator comprises a plurality of printheads, each printhead engageable with a print plate in a plurality of print plates to deposit a quantity of ink onto art features in high relief on each print plate, and a plurality of transfer blankets, each transfer blanket engageable with each print plate in the plurality of print plates such that each transfer blanket receives a portion of a finished graphic from each print plate via transfer of an art graphic in ink from a high relief portion of the print plate, and wherein a plurality of containers are decorated by engaging each container in the plurality of container with only one transfer blanket in the plurality of transfer blankets to transfer ink to each container, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a transfer blanket, the transfer blanket comprising a non-metallic surface;
• removing portions of the non-metallic surface to produce an art graphic on the transfer blanket;
• and
• controlling the surface finish of the non-metallic surface.