This paper discusses the increasing importance of ceramics and cermets in surface engineering. Initially bulk forms were seen as the appropriate solution to the need for surfaces having ceramic or cermet properties, but now the trend is towards the use of coating and treatment technology to achieve this aim. In particular the plasma assisted surfacing methods are attracting attention. Using pressure as the differentiating process variable, the spectrum of available techniques from ion implantation through plasma assisted vapour deposition to plasma spraying are listed. Various factors relating to the current status of these technologies are reviewed.