Abstract: The application of laser conditioning in thermal spraying field is reviewed. By adjusting the laser process, the substrate surface could be cleaned or ablated to improve the service performance of the coating. The influence of laser conditioning on coating properties is analyzed. The mechanical bonding between coating and the substrate is enhanced, the wetting of coating/substrate interface optimized and the porosity reduced. Some problems of laser conditioning in the thermal spraying field are clarified and the future application and research direction prospected.