A coater is a person or machine that applies a coating to a surface. However, there are several other synonyms for this word, depending on the context. For example, in the printing industry, a coater may be referred to as a varnisher, as they apply a varnish coating to printed materials to protect and enhance the print. Similarly, in the food industry, a coater may be called a breader, as they apply a coating of flour, breadcrumbs, or other ingredients to food items such as chicken or vegetables. Other synonyms for coater include applier, painter, sprayer, and finisher. Ultimately, the term coater is used widely across industries to describe the act of applying a coating to a surface, object, or material.