Abstract Pure full-density alumina substrates were coated by a bioactive glass-ceramic belonging to the system SiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -P 2 O 5 -Na 2 O-K 2 O-CaO-F − . Through a careful optimization of the coating process, we obtained coatings approximately 200 microns thick. The interface between the substrates and the coating material was characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (Philips PW1830), scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Philips 525 M), and compositional analyses (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, EDS-EDAX 9100). The interface substrate/coating was homogeneous and the composition of the coating (analyzed by EDS) did not reveal deep modifications.