Abstract: An oxide dispersion strengthened metal coating is applied to a substrate by positioning a laser spray apparatus over the substrate such that a laser in the spray apparatus forms a hot zone at a distance above the substrate sufficient to prevent the substrate from melting. An oxide dispersion strengthened metal powder coating material is injected into the hot zone to heat the coating material such that it will be in a plastic state when it impinges against the substrate. The coating material is then caused to impinge against the substrate to form a uniform coating on the substrate. The microstructure of the coating on the substrate is substantially identical to the coating material's microstructure before it is injected into the hot zone.