A combined radiation and functional layer application system includes one or more radiation sources and a commonly located functional layer application unit configured to dispose a functional layer over the surface of a fixed target ahead of the radiation sources during relative motion between the target and the radiation sources/application unit. System and method embodiments include those in which the target is stationary or moving, and embodiments in which the functional layer is applied as a liquid or as a solid laminate. Embodiments relate to application of an oxygen-blocking layer of a printing plate prior to exposure to actinic radiation. Certain solid laminate embodiments include a two-roll system for positioning the laminate for cutting adjacent a trailing edge of the plate.