Abstract: Due to the optical nature of Laser Materials Processing (LMP) it is often necessary to reduce the reflectivity of any metallic work-piece in order to improve the efficiency of the process or protect the underlying surface from the effects of the laser interaction. In many cases a graphite coating is applied in spray form, to achieve this. Graphite is often chosen for its high absorptivity qualities; ease of application, availability and also for economic reasons. This investigation will look at the effects on the coating from various laser and graphite parameters and how this could affect the final desired outcome. The areas of investigation include: Continuous Wave (CW) operation, pulsed Q-switched operation, energy density, effects of laser induced plasma on graphite coatings for varying power densities, graphite coating thickness and application method. The samples will be produced on thick substrates to ensure the substrate remains unaffected by the LMP, thus allowing only the effects of laser interaction with the graphite to be witnessed. The laser systems used include a CO2 and a Nd:YAG at varying power levels. The samples will be analysed using the latest techniques, such as Vertically Scanning white light Interferometer (VSI) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to ascertain the effect of the various laser system and parameters on the coatings. Results will include the effects of variation in graphite thickness due to LMP, novel techniques on the removal of graphite, graphite application process on the coating, as well as considerations for the use of graphite as a coating medium.