Abstract: A method for coating a substrate in which a wire-like spray material based on iron is melted in an electric arc and is isolated as a layer on the substrate is disclosed. The following alloy components are contained in the spray material: carbon: 0.1% by weight to 0.3% by weight; manganese: 1.5% by weight to 2.0% by weight; and silicon: 0.25% by weight to 0.4% by weight, respectively with regard to a total weight. The substrate is an aluminium alloy and the surface thereof is roughened mechanically before the coating in such a way that a roughness is formed with undercuts which are filled with the spray material over the course of the coating and therefore a cause a mechanical interlocking of the coating with the substrate. The coating is removed on the surface. An electric arc wire sprayed layer based on iron on the substrate is also disclosed.