Coating methods and a template for use with the coating methods

A coating method, comprising:

• providing a component having at least one aperture formed in a surface thereof, the aperture having an aperture geometry, the aperture geometry tapering, curving, or a combination thereof as the aperture extends into the component from the surface of the component;
• then
• positioning a filler material within the at least one aperture, the filler material extending away from the surface of the component a distance greater than a reduced coating thickness and less than an applied coating thickness, the filler material being shaped to extend the tapering, curving, or combination thereof of the aperture geometry through an applied coating;
• then
• applying at least one coating material over the surface of the component and the filler material to form the applied coating having the applied coating thickness, the applied coating adhering to the surface of the component and the filler material;
• then
• removing a portion of the applied coating to provide the reduced coating thickness and to expose the filler material;
• and then
• removing the filler material to expose the at least one aperture having the tapering, curving, or combination thereof of the aperture geometry extending through the applied coating.