Abstract: A metal or ceramic matrix composite part and corresponding method are provided exhibiting desired heat transfer characteristics. The part has a metal or ceramic matrix composite substrate and a multilayer dielectric coating. The coating has high reflectivity at wave lengths corresponding to radiation wavelengths of various combustion gases and has low reflectance at radiation wavelengths corresponding to the substrate. The multilayer coating allows the heat generated external of the part at wavelengths corresponding to combustion gases to be reflected from the part while permitting radiation wavelengths associated with the substrate to pass through the coating. The parts are useful for use in combustive gas atmospheres.