Liquid Application System is used to add water to the backside of one-sided coated paper to prevent curl. The liquid application system coaters are used to add starch solutions of low viscosity. These coater uses a hydrophilic transfer roll, which is chromium plated and treated by a proprietary etching process. The liquid applicator device for applying a liquid to a target surface includes an applicator head and a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to contain the liquid to be applied to the target surface and is removably coupled to the applicator head. The systems consist of a series of gravity draining trenches.