The invention relates to a method and device for applying a cover material (13) to a selected target area of a support surface (6), wherein the support surface (6) comprises the target area which is to be covered and areas which remain free of the cover material. According to the invention, the device comprises a print unit (3) for a flowable and hardenable support material for producing a support (6) and/or a support structure (16) on the support (6), in addition to a masking unit (4) for producing a covering (12), layer by layer, consisting of a plurality of layers (S) of an auxiliary material (9) on the remaining areas, a cover unit (5) for forming a flow of particles (10) containing the cover material (13) and oriented counter to the support surface (6), a removal unit (15) for removing the auxiliary material (9) whilst leaving the support material and the cover material (13) and a transport unit (8) for transporting the support (6) from the print unit (3) to the masking unit (4), the coating unit (5) and the removal unit (15).