Abstract: An edge dam assembly for an applicator for applying a film of coating material on a moving web of paper carried through an application zone, is characterized by a seal element at each side end of the zone. To prevent leakage of coating liquid past the seal element, air is introduced through the element and into the side end of the zone adjacent to the element. The air forms an air barrier pocket at the side end of the zone, which is void of coating liquid, whereby coating liquid is maintained in the zone inwardly of the seal elements.

Abstract: An edge dam for an applicator for applying a film of coating liquid to a moving web of paper carried through an application zone, is characterized by a seal element at each side end of the zone for substantially sealing the side end of the zone, thereby to impede a flow of coating material out of the zone. At least one orifice is formed through the seal element outwardly of the zone, and the orifice is connected with a supply of water under pressure for directing a flow of water against the peripheral edge of the web moving therepast, thereby to wet the edge and flush the same of any coating material seeping past the element. In consequence, edge stickers and coating liquid pickup on the web edge are substantially eliminated.