The oxidation of Cr-12.7 at.%C coatings electrodeposited on steel was studied at 700 and 800 degrees C in air. The coatings, which consisted of nodular grains having microcracks and pits, had either an amorphous or a microcrystalline structure. They changed to crystalline Cr during oxidation. The oxidation resulted in the formation of Cr(2)O(3), which provided good oxidation resistance to the coating. However, the presence of microcracks and pits in the coating was harmful to oxidation resistance.