A method for operating a printing press, which enables a uniform print quality to be achieved during long periods of operation without replacement of the impression cylinder. The printing press comprises several printing units having impression cylinders and a sheet turning device disposed between the printing units. The circumferential surface of the impression cylinder has an ink-repelling surface. The printing press is used to print sheets, until the ink-repelling surface of the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder has been worn away to an extent that the ink-repelling effect is less than a predetermined threshold value, after which a foil, of which the side facing away from the circumferential surface has an ink-repelling surface, is removably placed on the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder.