A moistening apparatus includes a moistening fluid supply means. A moistening means is connected to the moistening fluid supply means for applying the moistening fluid onto the glue line of an envelope flap or onto the glue area of a postage meter or parcel register tape. Excess moistening fluid collection means are positioned with respect to the moistening means such that excess moistening fluid collects in the excess moistening fluid collection means. The collected excess moistening fluid from the excess moistening fluid collection means is moved to the moistening fluid supply means. This recirculates excess moistening fluid back to the moistening fluid supply means.