A method for operating a printing group and a device for the use of a printing ink in a rotary printing press is disclosed. The tack of an ink that is used in a printing group of a rotating printing press, or the temperature of a rotating component in the printing group is selected or controlled. The ink itself is temperature regulated in response to production speeds to maintain the ink tackiness in the desired range. A gradient that sets forth an interrelationship between ink tackiness, temperature and production speed can be used in a control device for use in temperature regulation.