Abstract: Protective coating systems are reinforced by first laying a suitable mesh screen of plastic, metal or the equivalent on the surface to be protected. Thereafter, a thin layer of a coating composition, e.g., a latex cement, is poured over the mesh and allowed to set. In this operation the mesh is bonded by means of the coating composition to said surface. The screen also protrudes to the upper surface of said layer and when the latter has been allowed to set, a second layer is applied resulting in a system in which the reinforcing mesh not only aids in forming a durable bond between said first layer and said surface, but also likewise renders the two layers thus formed resistant to spalling or separating caused from expansion or contraction of said surface.