Disclosed herein is a low pressure discharge lamp having a coating disposed upon at least a portion of inner lead-in wires, wherein the coating comprises refractory nanoparticles. Also disclosed herein, in particular, are fluorescent lamps having a coating disposed upon at least a portion of inner lead-in wires, the coating comprising refractory oxide nanoparticles having a median primary particle size of less than about 70 nm, with a thickness of from about 0.5 micrometer to about 10 micrometer. Disclosed advantages may include lessened end discoloration over the operational lifetime of the lamp, enhanced lumen maintenance, and inhibited mercury consumption.