A method for providing a catalyst on a substrate is disclosed comprising providing a first washcoat comprising a soluble washcoat salt species, a polar organic solvent, and an insoluble particulate material, contacting the first washcoat with a substrate to form a coated substrate, and then contacting the coated substrate with a second washcoat comprising an oxide or an oxide-supported catalyst to physisorb, chemisorb, bond, or otherwise adhere the oxide or the oxide-supported catalyst to the coated substrate. Also disclosed is a catalyst on a substrate comprising: a substrate; an anchor layer comprising a soluble washcoat salt species, a polar organic solvent, and an insoluble particulate material; and a second layer comprises an oxide or an oxide-supported catalyst. The catalyst on a substrate can be in either green or fired form.