A method for forming a coating on a substrate is provided. To an assembly 10 including a substrate 12, a porous matrix 14 on the substrate 12, and an impregnating material 16 on or within the porous matrix 14, the method includes applying an amount of energy 18 from an energy source 20 effective to melt the impregnating material 16 and a portion of the substrate. In this way, the impregnating material 16 impregnates the porous matrix 14. The method further includes cooling the assembly 10 to provide a coating 26 comprising the porous matrix 14 integrated with the substrate 12.