A method of forming a three-dimensional printed object having a printed surface image includes ejecting drops of a build material to form the three-dimensional printed object from a plurality of layers of build material on a support member and applying a leveler to a surface of each layer of the build material. The method further includes ejecting drops of a marking agent on a surface of the three-dimensional printed object to form a printed image, ejecting drops of a transparent material over the printed image to form a layer of transparent material over the printed image, and applying the leveler to a surface of the layer of transparent material but not to the printed image.