A method and apparatus for treating the surface of substrates such as printed
sheets,
with improved surface quality. The apparatus includes a first roller (2, 7)
rotatable in a first direction and forming a placement surface for traveling printed
sheets, one or more second rollers (4, 5, 6) mounted parallel to the first
roller (2, 7) for defining a roller nip with the first roller through which
the sheets are directed and for exerting a predetermined radial pressing force
against the sheets, the second rollers (4, 5, 6) being rotatable in a direction
opposite to the direction of rotation of the first roller (2, 7) and at
least some of the second rollers (4, 5, 6) having a heating device for heating
the printed sheet in the area of the roller nip between the first and second rollers.