A method of providing a surface layer or structure on a substrate. The method comprises: a) ink jet printing spaced first segments of the surface layer or structure material on the substrate and drying or curing the first segments; and b) ink jet printing further material segments in the gaps between the first segments and drying or curing the further segments, the material and/or curing and drying conditions being different to those in step (a), all the segments, after drying or curing, forming a surface layer or structure, wherein the segment material and/or curing and drying conditions are chosen so as to control the mechanical properties of the surface layer.