Abstract: A coating applicator is provided having a plate cylinder including a cylindrical body about which a coating plate is mounted in sleeve-like fashion. The plate is the type used in the flexographic printing industry, and is made of photosensitive, monomeric material. The longitudinal edges of the plate are mounted to the cylindrical body using a clamping mechanism which permits easy installation and removal. Even with relatively light pressure, the photopolymer plate releases a substantial portion of the coating material when the plate is applied to a workpiece. Consequently, the composition and secondary rollers may be spaced apart by a gap slightly smaller than the thickness of the workpiece. Because of this gap, coating material does not tend to be applied from the plate cylinder to the secondary roller, thus reducing the safety and environmental problems associated with cleaning the secondary roller.