Printed matter producing method, printing apparatus, and printed matter

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a foamable layer forming unit configured to form a foamable layer containing a foaming agent;
• a defoaming agent applying unit configured to apply a defoaming agent to a predetermined region of the foamable layer to bring the defoaming agent into contact with the foamable layer;
• an ink receiving layer forming unit configured to form an ink receiving layer over the foamable layer to which the defoaming agent is applied;
• a print data generating unit configured to acquire image data and shape data representing a shape of a bossed-recessed region of the foamable layer after foamed, and generate print data assigning a greater amount of an ink to a portion in the image data corresponding to an inclined portion of the bossed-recessed region based on the shape data;
• an image forming unit configured to apply an ink over the ink receiving layer based on the print data to form an image;
• and
• a foaming unit configured to apply energy to the foamable layer to form bosses and recesses.

A printed matter comprising:

• a base material;
• a cell-containing layer positioned over the base material and containing cells;
• an ink receiving layer positioned over the cell-containing layer and containing a polymer A;
• and
• an image positioned over the ink receiving layer and formed of a cured product of an ink containing a colorant and a polymer B,
• wherein an amount of the ink per area of the base material is greater over an inclined portion of the cell-containing layer than over a flat portion of the cell-containing layer with respect to an image of each gradation level within the image.