A method for applying a flexible cladding material to an outer surface of an insulation layer for a pipe section comprising the following steps: - providing the insulation layer in the shape of a cylinder having a cylindrical central opening , - providing a first and a second supporting element defining a gap between the first and second supporting element , of which at least the first element is movable towards and away from the second supporting element between a first position in which the two supporting elements are close to each other, thereby nearly closing the gap and a second position in which the supporting elements are at a distance from each other, thereby defining the gap being larger than the gap in the first position, - arranging a layer of the flexible cladding material between the insulation layer and the two supporting elements in such manner that an adhesive surface of the layer of flexible cladding material is facing towards the insulation layer , or in such a manner that an adhesive surface of the insulation layer is facing towards the layer of flexible cladding material, - moving the insulation layer and the supporting elements in relation to each other in such manner that the insulation layer and at least a part of the layer of the flexible cladding material is moved through the gap between the first and the second supporting element , - whereby the two supporting elements are moved towards each other after the insulation layer and the layer of the flexible cladding material with its major diameter has passed through the gap between the first and the second supporting elements and - wherein the flexible cladding material is adhesively connected to the insulation layer during or after the mentioned process steps. - providing the insulation layer in the shape of a cylinder having a cylindrical central opening , - providing a first and a second supporting element defining a gap between the first and second supporting element , of which at least the first element is movable towards and away from the second supporting element between a first position in which the two supporting elements are close to each other, thereby nearly closing the gap and a second position in which the supporting elements are at a distance from each other, thereby defining the gap being larger than the gap in the first position, - arranging a layer of the flexible cladding material between the insulation layer and the two supporting elements in such manner that an adhesive surface of the layer of flexible cladding material is facing towards the insulation layer , or in such a manner that an adhesive surface of the insulation layer is facing towards the layer of flexible cladding material, - moving the insulation layer and the supporting elements in relation to each other in such manner that the insulation layer and at least a part of the layer of the flexible cladding material is moved through the gap between the first and the second supporting element , - whereby the two supporting elements are moved towards each other after the insulation layer and the layer of the flexible cladding material with its major diameter has passed through the gap between the first and the second supporting elements and - wherein the flexible cladding material is adhesively connected to the insulation layer during or after the mentioned process steps. <EOS>