In a method of applying a wrapping comprising a substrate and a membrane of a self-adhesive compound on an elongate article such as a pipeline successive lengths of wrapping are applied around the article in helical manner under tension. The substrate of the initially applied part of each length of wrapping is directly bonded to the substrate of the last applied part of the preceding length of wrapping, without the interposition of any adhesive membrane so that tension in the substrates can be maintained through the wrapping. Arrangements wherein trailing edges of lengths of wrapping are adhesive free are also disclosed and their application discussed.