The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a uniform layer of liquid developer which apparatus includes, for example, a coater for depositing liquid developer on a first movable substrate to form a first toner layer; a second movable substrate for contacting the first toner layer on the first substrate to form a uniformly thin second toner layer on the first substrate, wherein the directional movement of the first movable substrate surface is contrary to the directional movement of the second movable substrate surface, and wherein at least one of the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface conforms to an opposing surface; and a photoactive member for receipt and formation of latent image thereon and for receipt of a toner layer for development of the latent image by the toner layer.