Abstract: A device for coating a plate has an open channel being open in an upward direction and a device for supplying a liquid to the open channel. The liquid in the open channel forms an convexly curved portion projecting upwardly from the open channel. A device for transporting a plate at a close distance past the open channel is provided, with which a surface to be coated of the plate facing the convexly curved portion of the liquid is guided such that a thin film of the liquid is deposited on the surface to be coated by adhesion effects. Another device for lacquering or coating plates or disks has a capillary slot that is filled with a liquid coating medium. The plate to be coated is advanced across the capillary slot with the surface to be coated facing downwardly so that due to the capillary effect a thin layer is deposited on the surface of the plate.