A wiper system configured to apply and wipe one or more coatings on a rigid tube includes a tapered wiper tapering between a wider end defining an inlet orifice and a narrower end defining an exit orifice. The narrower end of the tapered wiper includes a series of slits arranged circumferentially around the exit orifice. The slits define a series of resilient tabs configured to deflect radially outward when contacted by one or more formations on an outer surface of the rigid tube and configured to return to a neutral position when the one or more formations have passed through the exit orifice. The wiper system may also include a gimbal supporting the tapered wiper. The gimbal is configured to permit the tapered wiper to rotate about first and second mutually perpendicular axes when the tapered wiper is contacted by a bowed rigid tube.