An electrostatic blade is disclosed having a slot extending the length of the blade and leading from a central duct to an outlet. A surface made of non-conductive material extends in front of the outlet and terminates in a discharge edge which is spaced 0.05 to 4 mm from the slot outlet. In use, liquid is passed from the duct along the slot to the outlet where it collects as a bead. An electrostatic field is applied between the liquid at the slot outlet and the object to be coated which draws liquid along the non-conductive surface in a tapering stream and further causing the liquid to be discharged from the edge. Because the stream of liquid reaching the discharge edge is very thin, very low liquid discharge rates can be achieved while still maintaining a uniform coating on the target object.
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