A polymer derived ceramic composite coating consisting of the polycarbosilazane ABSE (matrix) and cBN (filler) is developed. The final coating thickness is varied by adjusting the withdrawal speed, the viscosity of the solution and the pyrolysis temperature. The coatings exhibit excellent adhesion to the substrate confirmed by cross-cut and bending tests. The environmental barrier properties of the coatings were investigated with static, isothermal oxidation experiments testing coated and uncoated steel substrates. It was revealed that the weight gain during oxidation was strongly reduced by coating the substrates and hence the coatings offer the possibility to enhance the lifetime and performance of steel substrates under rough conditions.