The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid coating onto an object. The apparatus includes a device that has a handle and a transfer medium which is attached to the handle. The apparatus further includes a cover that is attached to the device. The cover includes a closure element that is operable to open and close an end of the cover. When the end of the cover is open, the cover is movable between a first position where the cover protects the transfer medium and a second position where the cover protects the handle. In another example embodiment, the cover is formed of a removable first layer that is positioned adjacent to the transfer medium when the cover is in the first position and a removable second layer that is positioned adjacent to the handle when the cover is in the second position.