Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating the top surface of a high speed metal sheet with a thin film of lubricant having a uniform thickness. The apparatus includes a header assembly positioned above the moving sheet, a plurality of spray nozzles inclined at an angle relative to the oncoming sheet, and a solenoid operated valve to control flow of lubricant through each of the spray nozzles. The orifice of each nozzle is sized to produce a mist. The angle of inclination of the spray nozzles is sufficiently large so that the mist is generally sprayed above rather than toward the sheet. The method includes selecting a specific spray nozzle arrangement and adjusting the header assembly so that the span of the mist corresponds to the width of the metal sheet. An extremely thin and uniform thickness of lubricant film is formed on the sheet as the particles of mist settle onto the sheet. Waste of lubricant is minimized.