A dampener for lithographic printing presses is disclosed wherein means are provided for continuously generating a spray or mist of dampening fluid having optimum particle size and density characteristics and the volume of spray which is permitted to reach the plate cylinder is metered by a series of baffles that extend over the full length of the plate cylinder. The baffles are all connected for movement in unison with a common control member that is responsive automatically to changes in press speed to thereby control the overall volume of spray that reaches the plate cylinder with direct relation to the speed of the press and each individual baffle is selectively adjustable relative to the control member whereby to meter the volume of spray at local areas along the length of the plate cylinder.