An apparatus and method for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries is disclosed. A label transport drum has a substantially smooth surface. Cut labels are applied to the surface and an adhesive applicator applies a preferred cold adhesive onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent applicator applies a predetermined amount of solvent on the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The solvent applicator includes a solvent transfer roll and a rotatably support rotary pad print head. The rotary pad print head includes at least one narrowly tapering, flexible wiper tip. In one embodiment the wiper tip has a V-notch on its end. The flexible tip engages the solvent transfer roll, transferring solvent from the solvent transfer roll into the V-notch. the rotary pad print head is timed to rotate so that the flexible tip is deflected against the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. Solvent contained within the V-notch is evenly applied onto the label. An article conveying mechanism present cylindrical articles into tangential spinning engagement with the drum and into rotative engagement with the adhesive whereby the label is transferred onto the article as the label is moved into engagement with the rotating article. In another embodiment, the flexible tip is tapered preferably without a V-notch. The slower speed of the wiper relative to the drum causes even application of the solvent onto the label. A servomotor and encoder provide speed control to ensure that the surface speed of the rotary pad print head is slower than the surface speed of the label transport drum.