Abstract: A surface of a substrate 11 (FIG. 2) is uniformly coated with a liquid L by wetting the surface with the liquid and compressibly contacting the wetted surface with an applicator member 10 having an outer layer 14 of a compressible liquid absorbing material with inverse sponge characteristics and an inner layer 13 of compliant material. Preferably the member is a roller 10 having a silicone rubber or polyurethane inner layer and a chamois outer layer. A plurality of the rollers 10 are arranged to be in compressive contact with the surfaces of a plurality of substrates 11 as the substrates are being removed from the liquid L (arrow A), the movement of the substrates 11 causing rotation (arrow F) of the rollers to apply a uniform coating of the liquid on the contacted surfaces.

Abstract: In an improved method for depositing a metal on a substrate of the type in which a dielectric coated substrate is coated with a sensitizing solution containing a reductible metal salt, a primary reducing agent comprising 2,7 anthraquinone disulfonic acid and a secondary reducing agent, the substrate is exposed to ultraviolet light in an atmosphere having a temperature of at least 117.degree. F. (42.degree. C.) and a mass of water vapor of at least 3.8 mg of water per liter of dry air for at least 15 seconds. In an embodiment of the method the substrate is aerated in a moisture controlled atmosphere at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to exposing the substrate to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A surface of a substrate 11 (FIG. 2) is uniformly coated with a liquid L by wetting the surface with the liquid and compressibly contacting the wetted surface with an applicator member 10 having an outer layer 14 of a compressible liquid absorbing material with inverse sponge characteristics and an inner layer 13 of compliant material. Preferably the member is a roller 10 having a silicone rubber or polyurethane inner layer and a chamois outer layer. A plurality of the rollers 10 are arranged to be in compressive contact with the surfaces of a plurality of substrates 11 as the substrates are being removed from the liquid L (arrow A), the movement of the substrates 11 causing rotation (arrow F) of the rollers to apply a uniform coating of the liquid on the contacted surfaces.