Image forming apparatus and image forming method

An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer unit that transfers a reversed image onto an image bearing member as a toner image, a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium, a contact and separation unit that brings the secondary transfer roller into contact with and separates the secondary transfer roller from the image bearing member, a secondary-transfer-roller housing unit that houses the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant applying brush that applies a lubricant thereto, a lubricant-applying-brush housing unit that houses the lubricant applying brush and is configured to be movable along a groove, and an lifting and lowering member that lifts and lowers the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit, wherein the secondary transfer roller and the lubricant applying brush come into contact with and separate from each other in response to a contact and separation operation of the secondary transfer roller and the image bearing member.