Abstract: In a method and device for applying and subsequently drying a coating on a hin rigid board, the board is conveyed in vertical position, either hanging from or standing on the conveyor. The boards are clamped at one marginal zone, which preferably extends in a direction of horizontal advance. In a coating unit applicator rolls are positioned on both sides of the path of the boards. The applicator rolls rotate on vertical axes. The coating liquid is fed to the applicator rolls by vertical slot orifice nozzles. In the drying zone nozzles and heaters for drying the coating are arranged symmetrically to treat both surfaces uniformly and to stabilize the vertical position of the boards. The method and device are particularly useful in applying a light sensitive coating to basic materials in the production of printed circuit boards.