A construction of ink dispensing roller is described in which a porous ink metering layer extends around a peripheral surface of a porous ink reservoir. To prevent relative movement between the ink metering layer and the ink reservoir, the ink metering layer is securely located relative to the ink reservoir by means of elements of the ink metering layer extending beyond each axial end of the ink reservoir and being clamped between end cheeks and the axial end walls of the ink reservoir. The ink metering layer is manufactured from sheet material joined by welding along opposite edges into a tubular form. After welding the tubular form is manipulated so that an inner surface becomes a radially exterior ink dispensing surface.