Experimental results of sessile droplet freezing on coated and un-coated surfaces at subzero degrees are presented. Freezing stage durations are quantitatively evaluated. Considerable thermal hysteresis is found comparing the infrared and visualization results of surface recalescence. A spoke-like temperature distribution during the early crystal growth on the frozen droplet is observed on the uncoated surface. Demonstrations on the early crystal distribution pattern show that the coated surface can postpone the onset of icing and crystal deposition, suppress the crystal layer growth but shows no advantage in loosening the crystal layer. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.