Methods of pulp-insulating a conductor

A coating (28) is applied over an advancing electrical conductor (21) and partially dried by exposing it to a first temperature for a predetermined time. This renders the coating substantially insoluble in water so that it is retained on the conductor as the conductor is moved through apparatus (34) which forms a ribbon (35) of pulpous material longitudinally with the conductor. The ribbon is reshaped into an insulative cover (41) concentrically disposed about the coated conductor, after which the pulp-insulated conductor is exposed for a predetermined length of time to a second temperature which is substantially greater than the first temperature. This reduces substantially the moisture content of the pulpous material and simultaneously tackifies the coating which cause the pulp insulation to have excellent crush resistance and adheres the pulp insulation to the conductor to form an insulation cover having substantial integrity.