Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for coating carbon articles, such as carbon electrodes for use in steelmaking, with aluminium and refractory materials.The method comprises in a single operation, spraying aluminium in a molten state on to the surface, and immediately spraying refractory material on to the aluminium coating so formed.The apparatus includes spray heads, by which the aluminium and refractory materials are sprayed, the spray heads being located alongside each other and moved relatively to the carbon electrode simultaneously, the distance apart of the spray heads being sufficient to ensure that there is virtually no interference between the sprays of aluminium and refractory material, and also to ensure that the heat of the molten aluminium does not dry out the refractory material before it reaches the surface of the carbon article.