A liquid loading and application apparatus includes a hub, a paint roller support element, and the hub receives the paint roller support element. The hub includes first and second frusto-conical surfaces subtending an angle, and oppositely disposed annular end surfaces contiguous with the respective first and second frusto-conical surfaces. A cover of a first material conforms to the frusto-conical surfaces. The cover has opposed circular openings, and elastic strips of a second material. The elastic strips engage the frusto-conical surfaces and grippingly secure the cover to the hub. The first material is more elastic than the second material so that the strips grippingly secure the cover to the hub.