a surface mounted heater assembly for an aerospace component having a support layer , an electrically resistive heater foil element supported by the support layer , a coating covering the heater element ; and an adhesive to secure said support layer to the component is provided . the coating has two layers that are visually distinct to permit identification of potential exposure of the heater foil element . a surface mounted heater having a multiple layer assembly having a support layer ; a heater element and a transition layer to couple the support layer to the aerospace component is provided .