A dampening system for a lithographic press, comprised of a brush roller contacting a fountain roller immersed in a fluid. The brush roller is contacted by an elongate flicker bar transferring the fluid to a vibrator roller for application to a plate cylinder by a form roller. Drive means operate the fountain roller which is geared to the brush roller. The ratio of the gearing is such that the brush roller is driven at an overspeed condition relative to the fountain roller.