A method of sealing nozzles on an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable pad having a contact surface for sealing engagement with the ink ejection face; and (b) moving the pad from a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face to a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face. The movement causes the contact surface to be progressively contacted with the face during sealing engagement.