A method for coating a liquid composition from an applicator to a surface of a moving web, the web being conveyed along a path through a coating apparatus, the coating apparatus including a coating station for applying a coating to the surface of the web, the coating station including a backing roller for supporting the web and a coating hopper for depositing a liquid coating on the web, includes the steps of: wrapping the web in a partial wrap around the backing roller, the backing roller being provided with a relieved surface, the relieved surface having a pattern of circumferential grooves that provides venting of entrained air, the pattern having a geometry and depth such that any temperature gradient in the web caused by the circumferential grooves in the backing roller does not disturb the coating applied by the coating apparatus; providing a source of liquid coating composition for coating the web; and transporting the web past the coating station, where the liquid composition is applied to the surface of the web from the coating hopper, whereby the coating of liquid composition is not disturbed by temperature gradients in the web.