The total induced stresses in Ni–TiB2 coatings with chromium interfacial coatings deposited on fiber impregnated polymer matrix composites by magnetically enhanced direct-current sputtering was determined. The thickness of the Ni–TiB2 coatings was approximately 25.4 μm and the thickness of the chromium interfacial coatings ranged from 5.1 to 12.7 μm. Stress values were obtained using the bending-beam method where stress is calculated from the measured deflection of the composite beam formed by the coating and substrate combination using the equivalent stiffness method. The structural composition of the coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis by x ray, and x-ray diffaction techniques. Intrinsic, thermal, and shear stress values are compared with the structural composition of the coatings and their resistance to a pressure driven flow of abrasive alumina particles.