Abstract: An applicator, for holding an object such as a slab or tile, having a coating of adhesive on one face and applying the object to a vertical surface, comprises a tray mounted on one end of a shaft which has a handle at the other end. The tray is pivoted to the shaft about an axis transverse to the shaft, and is spring-loaded to a tilted position in which the tray faces partly towards the handle end of the shaft. Along the edge of the tray remote from the handle is a lip to retain the object on the tray. The applicator is held with the tray end downwards. The object rests on the lip, adhesive side outwards, and leans back against the tray while being carried to the surface to which it is to be applied. At the surface the bottom edge of the slab can be positioned accurately and then pressure applied through the shaft to the tray so that the tray is tilted against the spring force to bring the adhesive-coating into full contact with the surface.