Electrical properties such as conduction, induction, insulation, magnetism, resistance heating can all be achieved using coatings. These coatings can be applied over very large areas, such as on corona rolls, or locally for sensor applications.

Multilayer systems can be used to build electrical components such as fuel cells where anode, cathode and electrolyte are depicted. Iron based materials are used to coat aluminum pans, allowing their use on induction stoves. Coatings of a specific resistance are applied to heating elements.