the invention is directed to a system and method of applying a coating of lubricant material to the surface of a sheet metal blank in a controlled manner such that some areas of the blank have a uniform thickness of lubricant while other areas have no lubricant at all or have a variable amount of lubricant . this is achieved through the use of a mask template that comprises an overspray fence and at least one contact element . the lubricated coated sheet metal blank is utile for superplastic forming to produce specialized complex shaped parts . the invention advantageously lessens the possibility of skid or slip lines appearing in the finished product as well as lessens the likely build - up of lubricant in forming dies — easing maintenance requirements .