The disclosure provides a method of inking a polymer pen lithography tip array (“PPL tip array”), including applying an ink composition to a PPL tip array using at least two spray applicators to deposit the ink as a non-uniform ink layer. The disclosure further provides a method of depositing at least two ink compositions on PPL tip array, including applying a first ink to a first defined area using a first spray applicator, and applying a second ink to a second defined area using a second spray applicator. The disclosure further provides a method of scaling a linear ink composition gradient provided by at least two spray applicators to a PPL tip array having a length, L, including positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 5.0 L to about 8.0 L relative to the surface of the PPL tip array, positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 0.5 L to about 3.0 L relative to each other, and applying an ink composition.