Method of forming protective coating and coated article comprising protective coating

A method of forming a protective coating, the method comprising:

• providing a substrate comprising a major surface;
• providing a top coat layer adjacent to the major surface of the substrate, the top coat layer comprising a top coat surface distal to the substrate;
• forming a plurality of slots in the top coat layer, wherein each slot from the plurality of slots extends at least partially from the top coat surface towards the major surface of the substrate;
• and
• at least partially heating the top coat surface above a threshold temperature, such that:
• a first portion of the top coat layer extending from the top coat surface at least partially melts to form a glazed layer;
• and
• a second portion of the top coat layer disposed between the glazed layer and the major surface of the substrate is not melted and comprises at least a portion of each of the plurality of slots;
• wherein
• the glazed layer comprises a glazed external surface, and wherein the glazed layer and the second portion of the top coat layer together form the protective coating having a total thickness from the glazed external surface to the major surface of the substrate, and
• the glazed layer comprises a plurality of cracks disposed within the glazed layer and
• each crack from the plurality of cracks is at least partially aligned with a corresponding slot from the plurality of slots in a plane normal to the major surface of the substrate.