Abstract: A method is described for forming a porous coating on the surface of a substrate such as an implantable prosthesis wherein a microstructure appliqué is made in the shape and depth of the area to be coated, adhesively attached to that area and subsequently bonded to the substrate through the application of an appropriate sintering treatment. Manufacture of the microstructure appliqué is accomplished through the transfer and deposition of one or more packed layers of uniformly-sized, metallic particles onto a shaped pattern followed by the addition of a binder solution for preserving the packing of particles and the integrity of the shaped piece. The method disclosed herein provides a means of making uniform and reproducible structures possessing uniform porosity and is adaptable to automation for producing larger quantities of appliqués, which may help in reducing costs associated with prosthetic implant production.