Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-planar deflection electrode(s) for use with an ink jet printer. More specifically, the high voltage and/or low voltage deflection electrode of the may include a non-planar configuration. The non-planar configuration may be achieved by providing the electrode with a convex surface, which faces the ink stream and the other electrode. By using a deflection electrode that has a non-planar configuration, at least a portion of the deflection electrodes may be positioned closer together without increasing the risk of arcing. The ability to place at least a portion of the deflection electrodes closer together may increase the strength of the electric deflection field, thereby allowing the length of the deflection electrodes to be decreased without adversely affecting their ability to deflect charged ink droplets to their intended location on a substrate. Further, a non-planar configuration may also assist in the automatic cleaning of the deflection electrode(s) without having to stop the printing process.