A method for applying printing ink to a printing material, includes producing ink-conducting and ink-repelling areas on an at least approximately flat surface. A plurality of areas with defined color acceptor properties are provided to produce the ink-conducting areas on the surface. The surface is brought into contact with color particles, including a subgroup of dyes, pigments, colored molecules or colored particles. At least one of the subgroups colored molecules and pigments has surface acceptor properties corresponding to the color acceptor properties of the areas. The at least one subgroup colored molecules and pigments is deposited on the areas of defined color acceptor properties of the surface corresponding to the surface acceptor property. The at least one deposited subgroup colored molecules and pigments is transferred from the surface to a printing material. A printing form, an inking unit and a printing machine are also provided.