Abstract: A method of preparing and coating cylindrical bore surfaces of an aluminum workpiece that comprises (a) inserting and rotationally reciprocally moving a plurality of honing elements against the bore surface with a pressure of at least 30 psi to effect a pattern of spiral overlapping abrasions on said surface, each element being constituted of multifaceted, irregular-shaped, abrasive particles (i.e., diamond or SiC) having a particle size of 30-1300 micrometers. The particles, when in contact with the surface, plow micro-sized, non-smooth and irregularly spaced grooves in the aluminum workpiece resulting in spiral peaks and valleys along the direction of movement of the particles, whereupon repeated reciprocation and rotation of the elements (i.e.