the invention relates to a method for coating workpieces , which preferably consist at least sectionally of wood , wood - based materials , plastics material or the like , with a coating material , wherein the method includes the steps of : providing a functional layer , which can be rendered adhesive by energy input , supplying a coating material to the workpiece to be coated , at least partially activating the functional layer by treating the functional layer with a heated gas , wherein the heated gas is emitted onto the functional layer via at least one outlet opening and is at a positive pressure of at least 1 . 5 bar in a region of the at least one outlet opening , and joining the coating material to the workpiece by means of the activated functional layer .