Method for manufacturing coated panels comprising at least a substrate (2) and a top layer (3) with a printed motif, said top layer being provided on said substrate (2), wherein the method for manufacturing the top layer (3) comprises at least two steps, namely, a first step in which a synthetic material layer (7) is provided on the substrate (2), and a second step in which a relief is provided on the surface of said synthetic material layer (7), characterized in that said relief comprises a pattern of recesses (13), wherein this pattern is at least partially determined by means of a digital technique applied for providing a synthetic material-repelling or lacquer-repelling agent, wherein this agent then determines at least a portion of said pattern of recesses (13).