Abstract: A manually-operated applicator for use in applying a film of wet material in a preselected, uniform, initial wet film thickness on the top flat surface of a workpiece which is in a level position. The applicator comprises a cylindrical rod having a plurality of equally spaced-apart, annularly-shaped protrusions which form contact surfaces with the wet material and with the surface of the workpiece. The protrusions extend from the circumferential surface of the applicator a distance equal to the desired uniform thickness of the wet film. The wet material is manually rolled or pushed or pulled with the applicator by the user until the wet material covers the surface of the workpiece in its entirety, and until the top surface of the wet film is flush and level with the contacting circumferential surface of the applicator.