A method and system for applying and coating a cushion with adhesive for mounting the cushion between a plate cylinder surface and a flexographic plate surface whereby the adhesive is applied to the tips of the protrusions that make up the structure of the cushion. The cushion, mounted between the plate cylinder surface and the flexographic plate base, is typically glued to both the cylinder surface and to the flexographic plate surface. The apparatus and process of the instant invention provide for a consistent and uniform application of a heavy deposition of said fluent coating whereby the majority of the deposition of said fluent coating resides on the upper/outer most surface of the three-dimensional work or substrate being coated resulting in a coat weight of 50% or greater then prior art coating apparatus.