Abstract: A method for providing a medical apparatus with a protective surface coating is described. The method comprises applying to a medical apparatus a coating solution that contains a matrix polymer such as a urethane, and a reinforcing agent such as lamellar platelet and fiber additives, as micaceous pigments, flake pigments, tungsten powder and glass fiber, to increase the resistance of the medical apparatus to injury, such that the surface coating forms a protective, scratch- and puncture-resistant layer on the medical apparatus. The particles or fibers of the reinforcing agent may be oriented to provide the medical apparatus with additional resistance to injury. The coating is well suited to provide balloon catheters, particularly PET balloons, and the like with the toughness desirable for use in stent delivery and placement.