a process and apparatus for depositing a ceramic coating , such as a thermal barrier coating for a gas turbine engine component . the process deposits a coating whose composition includes multiple oxide compounds and a carbon - based constituent , e . g ., elemental carbon , carbides , and carbon - based gases . the process uses at least one evaporation source to provide multiple different oxide compounds and at least one carbide compound comprising carbon and an element . the evaporation source is evaporated to produce a vapor cloud that contacts and condenses on the component surface to form the ceramic coating , and particularly so that the coating comprises the oxide compounds , an oxide of the element of the carbide compound , and the carbide compound and / or a carbon - containing gas . the process is carried out with an apparatus comprising a coating chamber in which the evaporation source is present , and a device for evaporating the evaporation source .