As wear is a surface or near surface phenomenon it has long been realised that the wear resistance of a component can be improved by providing a surface of different composition from the bulk material. Although this book concentrates on surface coatings, the distinction between surface coatings and the process of modifying the surface by changing its composition is not always clear, so some useful surface modification techniques are also considered. Surface coatings for protection against wear, consists of twelve chapters written by different authors, experts in their field. After a brief introductory chapter wear phenomena and the properties required from a coating are addressed. Chapter three covers coating characterisation and property evaluation relevant to wear resistance with an emphasis on mechanical testing of coatings. The next chapter provides an introduction to the various methods available to deposit wear resistant coatings. The following six chapters describe in detail wear resistant coatings produced by various deposition routes. Emphasis is placed on the microstructure property relationship in these coatings. Chapter eleven addresses coatings and hardfacings, produced from welding processes, specifically modern developments such as friction surfacing and pulsed electrode surfacing techniques. The final chapter is dedicated to future trends in both coating materials and coating processes. Surface coatings for protection against wear is essential for anyone involved in selecting coatings and processes and will be an invaluable reference resource for all engineers and students concerned with the latest developments in coatings technology.