an offset electrostatic printer is disclosed which comprises an ion modulated electrostatic print head for forming latent electrostatic images , a dielectric imaging member comprising a layer of dielectric material , means for developing a latent electrostatic image on the dielectric imaging member , means for transferring a developed electrostatic image from the dielectric imaging member to an image receiving surface , means for supplying a flow of heated air having a temperature in the range of from about 120 ° f . to about 200 ° f . , and means for directing the flow of heated air at , near or through the print head and at or near the dielectric imaging member . the flow of heated air reduces the accumulation of chemical deposits in the print head .