Abstract: A device is disclosed for applying adhesive to platens of a textile screen printing machine as the platens move from the unload stage to the load stage. The device comprises a frame mountable to the screen printing machine so that it extends over the moving platens, at least one interconnectable housing carried by the frame. Each housing has an array of adhesive-depositing nozzles and adhesive-spreading air nozzles plus a drying nozzle. As a platen passes under the housings, a sensor initiates the array of adhesive nozzles to deposit columns of adhesive onto the platens. Then the air nozzles spread the columns of adhesive by blowing air onto the columns. Finally, the spread adhesive is dried by gas from the drying nozzle, preferably directing a single curtain of air under pressure onto the adhesive. The housings are modular so that the device can be used with larger platens by simply adding one or more housings.