FIXING METHOD AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing method by which, without disturbing fine particles containing resin, such as toner on the recording medium such as paper, the resin fine particles are speedily fixed to the recording medium after a fixing liquid is applied to the recording medium with the resin fine particles attached thereto, and further, application in a such very small amount as preventing residue on a recording medium is possible, and to provide an image forming method. SOLUTION: In the fixing method, a fixing liquid containing softener that softens resin fine particles, which contains resin, by dissolving or swelling part of the resin is foamed. The thickness of a film of the produced foamy fixing liquid is controlled, this fixing liquid is applied to the resin fine particles on a medium, and the resin fine particles are fixed to the medium. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT