In this work, WC-17Co, WC-10Co-4Cr, WC-12Co and Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings were deposited on stainless steel using WOKAStar-640 HVOF spraying system. Three WC-based coatings were studied and compared with a chromium carbide-based coating. The microstructure, porosity, micro-hardness, indentation fracture toughness and adhesion strength of the coatings were investigated. The wear test was done by using silica grits as abrasive medium using a load of 20 N. The result shows that HVOF sprayed carbide-based coating possesses low porosity, high micro-hardness and high adhesion strength. Three WC-based coatings have higher micro-hardness and indentation fracture toughness compared to the Cr3C2-25NiCr coating. HVOF sprayed carbide coating has good wear resistance under 500 degrees C. The decarburization of WC-based coating has great effect on coating wear resistance. In addition, WC-17Co coating has best wear resistance. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.