Abstract: Moisture is added to a traveling web of paper or the like by passing the web over one or more steamfoil nozzle devices which emit substantially dry steam vapor into the region between the web and the steamfoil. The steamfoil nozzle or nozzles extend across the web from side-to-side and the velocity of the emitted steam vapor is such that it produces a pressure differential between the side of the web adjacent the steamfoil and the opposite side of the web so that the web is urged toward the steamfoil where it rides on a cushion provided by the steam vapor and the boundary layer air surrounding the web. The steam vapor condenses on and in the relatively cool web when the web is passed over the steamfoil and the substantially dry steam vapor is mixed with the boundary layer air associated with the web. The steam flow disrupts the boundary layer air to permit intimate contact of the steam with the web to add moisture to the web.