A device is described for fixing a toner image carried on a substrate. A heated fuser roller is in contact with a reaction surface to form a nip through which the substrate passes. An applicator roller is in rolling contact with the heated fuser roller. A transfer roller is in rolling contact with the applicator roller. A release agent path is established from a supply via the transfer roller and the applicator roller to the heated fuser roller. Scraper blades define the release agent films carried on the applicator roller and the transfer roller. The consumption of release agent is thereby minimized, and the thickness of the release agent film on the heated fuser roller is substantially independent of the presence or absence of substrate sheets passing through the nip.