A method for separating overspray from the cabin exhaust air of coating systems, in particular of painting systems, which is laden with overspray, the overspray is taken up by an air flow and conveyed to an electrostatically operating separating device. There, the bulk at least of the solids is separated from the overspray at at least one separating surface. An electrically conductive material or material mixture is used as a separating agent, which is applied to the at least one separating surface of the separating device and at the operating temperature of the separating device has a wax-like consistency. Also a separating device with such a wax-like material and a system for coating articles.