Dual layer coatings Co3O4 and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta-Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-delta are developed for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) metallic interconnects by a combined approach. The cobalt for protective layer is deposited by electroplating, and the composite La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta precursors-Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-delta for cathode contact layer is applied by screen printing. The dual layer coatings are sintered at 1100 degrees C in Ar atmosphere, in order to not only achieve good bonding and adhesion, but also reduce oxidation damage to SUS430 ferritic stainless steel substrate. The phases of Co3O4 and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta are in-situ formed by subsequent oxidation at 800 degrees C in air. The chemical composition, structure and morphology of the dual layer coatings are analyzed by XRD, SEM and EDS. Area-specific resistance (ASR) of the coated substrates has also been tested in a simulated operating condition of SOFCs for up to 200 h. It is found that the dual layer coatings effectively block chromium diffusion and improve the oxidation resistance of the metallic substrate. The interconnect with dual layer coatings exhibits a reduced ASR of 22.8 m Omega cm(2) as compared to uncoated one with ASR of 64 m Omega cm(2) after isothermal oxidation at 800 degrees C for 200 h. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.