A method and apparatus for applying hot melt adhesive to the parting surfaces of sections of a foam pattern employed in the lost foam metal casting process includes an adhesive applicator operable to dispense a layer of adhesive in a desired pattern onto a transfer surface. The parting surface of a section of a foam pattern is then brought into engagement with the transfer surface so that at least a portion of the adhesive adheres to the parting surface for assembly with a mating section of the foam pattern. The adhesive remaining on the transfer surface after engagement with the parting surface is scraped off and a new layer of adhesive applied in preparation for another section of the foam pattern.