They retain their hardness at high temperatures because most binders for these coatings are thermosetting resins. Although pigments and binders in the coating may discolor above 260°C/500°F, the coating continues to function. (For best results, coatings based on thermosetting resins should be cured at 30°C/85°F above the temperature at which they will be used.)

These coatings are useful for preventing damaging "hot spots" between two rubbing parts, which enables some temperature-sensitive materials to operate at levels at which they would otherwise fail.