A method and apparatus for applying an elastoplastic strip as a spacer in the production of insulating glass panes comprising a supply winder for the strip, several driven strip guide rollers, and a pressing head for the strip which is movable relative to a first glass pane. In contrast to the state of the art, an elastoplastic band is used whose side surfaces are not yet coated with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied only shortly before the application of the strip onto its two side surfaces. For this purpose, mutually opposing nozzles that coat the side surfaces of the strip with an adhesive are arranged between the supply winder and the pressing head.