Abstract: A metallic coating is applied to threaded sections on the ends of plastic pipes that are to be forcefully screwed together. Droplets of a metal or metallic alloy are sprayed against the threaded sections at a high velocity, at a selectable angle of impingement, and within a zone of impingement. During the spraying, the pipe is turned and also moved relative to the zone of impingement in a longitudinal direction of the pipe. The resulting metallic coating on the pipes, beneficially, is porous so that such coating may contain lubricant, for instance. The apparatus for carrying out the spraying method includes a rotable pipe-holding device, and an arc metal spray unit having a nozzle whose direction of emission is adjustable.