The present disclosure generally relates to coating material applicators and more specifically, but not by limitation, to an apparatus for applying a coating material such as stain to a surface such as a deck, characterized by a generally planar surface with intentional gaps between elements (e.g., boards of a deck). In one example, a coating material applicator is provided. The coating material applicator is configured to apply a coating material to a structure having a generally planar surface formed by members having opposed surfaces separated by one or more gaps. The coating material applicator includes a base layer having an applicator surface for applying a coating material to the generally planar surface and a removable implement for applying the coating material to the opposed surfaces.