Design/methodology/approach The surface hardness of the coating was measured by a microhardness tester, the surface element composition of the coating was tested by an energy spectrum analyzer and the phase was measured by an X-ray diffractometer to observe the surface morphology after the friction and wear experiment. Findings Laser will generate new oxide and nitride films on the surface of the coating, which will improve the hardness of the coating surface and the bonding strength between the coating and the substrate. The surface micro-texture can collect wear debris during the friction process, reduce abrasive wear and play a good role in inhibiting the expansion of the coating failure zone. Originality/value Most of the research on traditional laser coating is to process micro-texture first and then coating. This study is the opposite. In this paper, the modification effect of laser on the coating surface is explored, and the parameters of laser and coating are optimized, which paves the way for the subsequent milling experiments of textured coating tools.