A method for producing a high temperature superconductor (=HTS) coated conductor (12), wherein a buffer layer (2; 22) and an HTS layer (4; 24; 65) are deposited on a substrate (1; 21), with the following steps: a) after depositing the buffer layer (2; 22), the surface (2a) is locally roughened, resulting in a roughened surface (13), b) a non-superconducting, closed intermediate layer (3; 23) is deposited on top of the roughened surface (13), c) and the HTS layer (4; 24; 65) is deposited on top of the intermediate layer (3; 23). A simple method for producing a HTS coated conductor with reduced losses, and with improved critical current and critical magnetic field is thereby provided.