Method for manufacturing coated panels

1. A method for manufacturing a coated panel having at least a substrate and a decorative top layer provided on the substrate, the method comprising:

providing the substrate having a print layer with a pattern;

applying a plurality of prints on the substrate to form at least a portion of the top layer, such that the plurality of prints form a structure on the substrate that includes at least one protrusion formed by two or more prints provided on top of each other;

wherein each of the two or more prints provided on top of each other includes a colorant;

wherein the print layer forms a continuous layer underlying a plurality of the protrusions; and

providing a transparent layer or a translucent layer on top of the plurality of prints.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the two or more prints provided on top of each other, in a cross-section of the protrusion, have an identical pattern.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the two or more prints provided on top of each other, in a cross-section of the protrusion, have different patterns, and

wherein the print provided on top has a smaller printed surface.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the two or more prints provided on top of each other are made of the same material.

5. The method of claim 1 applied for manufacturing a panel with a decorative top layer representing a wood pattern, wherein the structure relates to a wood structure.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the wood structure corresponds to an underlying printed wood pattern.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

using one or more digitally controlled inkjet printing units to apply the plurality of prints on the substrate.

8. The method of claim 1 applied for manufacturing a floor panel.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the substrate has approximately its final size and shape when said prints are applied.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the prints is performed with a water-based ink or an ink on solvent basis.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the prints is performed with a transparent material or a translucent material.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the decorative top layer represents a pattern, and wherein the pattern is exclusively obtained by printing the substrate.

13. A method for manufacturing a panel having a substrate and a decorative top layer provided on the substrate, the method comprising:

providing the substrate having a print layer with a pattern;

applying a first print on the substrate;

subsequently applying a second print on the substrate, such that at least a portion of the second print is provided on top of the first print to form a protrusion on the print layer;

wherein the first and the second prints form at least a portion of the decorative top layer;

wherein each of the first print and the second print includes a colorant; and

providing a transparent layer or a translucent layer on top of the first and the second prints.