Panels having a decorative surface may include a substrate and a top layer, and the top layer may include a paper layer having a printed pattern. A method for manufacturing such panels may involve providing the paper layer with at least a portion of the printed pattern. Providing the portion of the printed pattern may involve depositing pigment containing inks on the paper layer using a digital inkjet printer. The pigments may be color pigments. The digital inkjet printer may include print heads with nozzles for firing the pigment containing ink onto the paper layer. The dry weight of the total volume of the pigment containing inks deposited on the paper layer and contained in the portion of the printed pattern may be lower than 15 grams per square meter.

A method for manufacturing a paper layer having a printed pattern, to be used in the manufacturing of panels may involve providing the paper layer with a treatment, including providing the paper layer with an ink receiving substance. The treated paper layer may be provided with at least a portion of the printed pattern. Providing the portion of the printed pattern may involve depositing pigment containing inks on the treated paper layer using a digital inkjet printer. The pigment containing inks may be water-based. The digital inkjet printer may include print heads with nozzles. The depositing may involve firing droplets of pigment containing inks from the nozzles onto the treated paper layer. The paper layer may be fed from a roll, printed upon, and rolled back up again.