Provided herein are methods of forming and optimizing cured features on a surface including controlling the surface upon which the cured features are applied. Additionally, a system for forming and processing the topographical features on the membrane is also described, along with mechanical features at specific system stations. More particularly, provided herein are methods of forming and optimizing topographical features applied to a membrane surface by controlling the membrane surface and by controlling the direction and magnitude of pressure applied to the membrane (substrate), as well as initially partially curing the topographical features, followed by fully curing of the topographical features to form the membrane having topographical spacing features formed thereon.