When a new roll is changed in an off-machine coating line into the unwinder, problems are encountered in matching the tension of the web received from the expiring roll to that to be paid off from the new roll. Differences in web tension cause web breaks during roll change. To avoid this, the web is supported at the unwinder, and subsequently, at the following dryer cylinder group by a support felt that equalizes differences in web tension. The web received from the first roll is spliced to the tail of a second, full roll by pressing the web received from the first roll against the web of the second roll via the support felt by a splicing roll. Next, the web is fed supported by the felt to a dryer cylinder group including VAC and steam cylinders where the damp web is dried for subsequent coating.