Liquids in general, and paint in particular, can be evenly distributed by a paint transfer drum having a friction-creating surface that is placed in contact with a friction-receiving surface of an endless belt that is driven (by the drum as it rotates) into and out of a container for the liquid. A scraper removes a portion of the lifted liquid from the endless belt. The scraped liquid falls upon a liquid distribution device that serves to evenly distribute said liquid laterally so that it will be evenly applied along the exterior surface of the paint transfer drum.