This article shows the possibility of using the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis to obtain protective and hardening coatings for the lining of various thermal installations. The development of compositions of ceramic masses for the production of SHS coatings was carried out on the basis of aluminum powder, clay raw materials, exhausting and fluxing components as well as mineralizing additives. The prepared suspension including pre-prepared and thoroughly mixed raw materials was applied with a brush or a spray gun onto the previously cleaned and moistened surface of an aluminosilicate refractory. The firing of the coating was carried out in accordance with the mode of removing the thermal unit at the operating temperature. The temperature of the initiation of the SHS process, previously established using differential thermal analysis, was in the range of 570–720 °C and depended on the chemical composition of the charge. It has been established that the presence of crystalline phases of silica, corundum, hematite and a number of solid solutions (mainly calcium and sodium aluminosilicates) in the coating structure provides the necessary combination of the thermomechanical and thermophysical characteristics of the coatings. On the basis of the conducted research, the expediency of applying the technology of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis for the production of protective and hardening coatings on the lining of thermal units is demonstrated, which is confirmed by industrial tests in the conditions of the Minsk Ceramic Factory OJSC «Keramin».