Abstract: A method of selectively applying to an accurately bounded surface area on a glass article, an abrasion resistant metal oxide film of a compound of the type which is pyrolysible on contact with a hot glass surface to form the oxide. With the article at temperature effective for pyrolysing the compound, the portion of the article surface which is not to be coated is masked, or alternatively is curtained off, by a flame while other areas of the article are contacted by vapor of the compound. These two steps are carried out simultaneously. The flame prevents the metal oxide coating from forming on the article in the area isolated by the flame.