The present invention provides methods for preparing or repairing a chemically-resistant coating such as a porcelain enamel on a metal substrate. One such method involves forming a ground coat on the substrate, cooling the substrate to substantially near ambient temperature, optionally by applying a heat source to cool the substrate slowly, followed by flame-spray depositing a coating material onto the softened ground coat. Then, the substrate is allowed to cool slowly so the chemically-resistant coating can form with less stress. Optionally, an induction coil is used to heat the substrate, both to form the ground coat and to slow the cooling of the substrate. Such methods allow for easier and faster repairs, and even in situ repairs of articles such as chemical reactor vessels, covers, baffles, thermowells, agitators, agitator shafts, pipes, heat exchangers, and storage tanks, as well as white goods such as ovens, stoves, washing machines, driers, in addition to bathtubs, sinks, and shower stalls, in addition to steel girders and steel reinforcing bars. Articles having a chemically-resistant coating also form a part of the invention.