A thermal coating includes a substrate, a first coating layer, and a second coating layer. The substrate is selected from the group consisting of superalloys and ceramic matrix composites. The first coating layer comprises an alumina powder, a silica binder, and at least one additive selected from either a first group or a second group. The second coating layer comprises at least one of zinc titanate or cerium oxide. A method for applying a thermal coating system includes spraying a bond coat mixture onto a substrate using a liquid electrostatic sprayer. The bond coat mixture comprises an alumina powder, a silica binder, and at least one additive selected from either a first group or a second group. The method further includes applying a top coat mixture onto the bond coat mixture, wherein the top coat mixture comprises at least one of zinc titanate or cerium oxide.