A method for depositing protective coatings on front and rear facets of an optical device, such as a laser die, is disclosed. The protective coatings help prevent laser facet damage common to laser dies manufactured using known processes. In one embodiment, the method for coating the laser die includes placing the laser in an evacuated coating chamber before applying a first coating portion to a first facet of the laser. The first coating portion is applied to the first facet so as to form a protective covering thereon, but is applied at a coating energy that minimizes damage to the as-yet uncoated second facet. The laser is then rotated within the coating chamber, and a full coating is applied to a second facet of the laser. The laser is again rotated, and a full coating is applied atop the first coating portion to the first facet of the laser.