A method for controlling feature characteristics in a flexographic printing system that forms a printed pattern on a substrate by applying ink from an ink reservoir using a flexographic printing plate mounted on a plate cylinder. An imaging system is used to capture an image of the pattern printed on the substrate, and the captured image is analyzed to determine a feature characteristic of one or more features of the printed pattern. A control system automatically controls an amount of solvent used to replenish the ink in the ink reservoir responsive to the determined feature characteristic.