A method for coating a component is provided. The coating method includes providing a component having at least one aperture with an aperture geometry formed in a surface thereof, positioning a filler material within the at least one aperture, the filler material extending away from the surface of the component a distance greater than a reduced coating thickness and less than an applied coating thickness, applying at least one coating over the surface of the component and the filler material to form an applied coating having the applied coating thickness, removing a portion of the applied coating to provide the reduced coating thickness and expose the filler material, and removing the filler material to extend the at least one aperture having the aperture geometry through the applied coating. Another coating method and a template for use with the coating methods are also provided.