A system for recoating a powder bed includes a platform holding a powder bed, a brush and an electrode assembly including an electrode and insulating shield. After powder is distributed on the powder bed the top surface of the powder bed is smoothed by the brush. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. When the electrode assembly is positioned over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and powder bed top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder on the top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.