An electrographic printing system comprises oppositely opposed print and complement electrode means to produce a dielectric breakdown through a recording medium transported in a printing gap between the electrode means. A visible mark or image is formed on the surface of the recording medium by (1) forming an aperture in a portion of the recording medium or through the recording medium, (2) ablating or eroding a minute portion of solid conductive pigment medium exposed through the formed aperture, (3) inducing the formation of a pigment aerosol from the explosive effect created during pigment ablation, (4) expulsion of the pigment aerosol through the formed aperture, and (5) confinement of the pigment aerosol to the lip of the formed aperture. The aerosol deposits in the form of a torus on the aperture lip and bonds to the surface of the recording medium. Aerosol containment is created by the employment of a dielectric collar surrounding the print electrode means and the provision of a dielectric overlayer on the surface of the recording medium.