Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for coating a pipe or a section of a pipe with a polymer layer. The apparatus comprises an applicator for applying polymer melt on the surface of a pipe or pipe section, a roller for pressing the polymer applied by the applicator towards the pipe or pipe section, and means for circumferentially moving the applicator and the roller around the periphery of the pipe or pipe section. According to the invention the apparatus further comprises a drive for rotating the roller as the roller is moving around the periphery of a pipe or pipe section. By means of the invention, higher quality coatings can be applied to field joints of steel pipes, for example.