Surface layer on a ceramic matrix composite

A method comprising:

• depositing a slurry on a surface of an infiltrated ceramic matrix composite (CMC), wherein the slurry comprises a carrier material, a binder, a plasticizer, and solid particles, wherein the solid particles comprise a plurality of fine ceramic particles defining a fine particle average size less than about 5 micrometers, wherein the slurry comprises greater than about 30 percent by volume (vol. %) of the carrier material, wherein the slurry comprises 0.1 percent by weight (wt. %) to 12 wt. % of the plasticizer, and wherein the binder is different from the plasticizer;
• drying the slurry to form an article having an outer surface layer comprising the solid particles, the binder, and the plasticizer on the infiltrated CMC;
• machining at least a portion of the outer surface layer of the article;
• and
• infiltrating the article with a molten infiltrant after machining the article to form a composite article.