Nanostructured materials are known for enhanced properties as compared to their conventional counterparts. In the present work, microwave cladding technique was explored for depositing nanostructured WC-12Co dads on stainless steel substrates. Phase analysis of the WC-12Co microwave dads revealed the presence of Co6W6C, Co7W6, Co3W9C4, W2C and WC phases. The microstructure of the WC-12Co dads confirmed uniform distribution of nano-carbides in the form of clusters enclosed in the carbide network. Mechanical characterisation of the nanostructured dads was carried in terms of microhardness assessment and flexural strength measurement. The microwave induced dads exhibited excellent metallurgical bonding with the substrate and were free from interfacial cracks. The average microhardness of the developed dads was found in the order of 1760 +/- 128HV. The flexural strength of the developed dads was observed to be 671 +/- 28 MPa. The nanostructured dads exhibited good adhesion with the substrate without getting peeled-off under a load of 3.75 kN and a displacement of 3.72 mm. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.