Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying coatings, such as in particular varnishes, to surfaces is provided. The apparatus includes a metering head that has at least one nozzle which can be actuated by a control signal. The method includes the steps of: moving a base having a surface that is to be coated along this surface relative to a metering head and/or moving the metering head relative to a surface of the base, and applying a fluid coating material to the surface through a nozzle in response to at least one control signal generated by a computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying coatings to surfaces of substrates in the form of paper, cardboard, or plastic films, preferably for finishing printed materials. The apparatus comprises a coating unit for applying coating material in fluid form to the substrate surface, and a device for smoothing the still fluid film applied to the substrate surface by the coating unit, the device including a unit for generating a gas stream which is directed onto the substrate surface coated with the film, and which smoothes the film while at least partially removing interfering structures on the film surface such as depressions, elevations, and craters before the coating material cures.