Articles coated via a plasma spray process, and methods for making such articles, are presented. For example, one embodiment is an article comprising a substrate comprising a top surface and a channel disposed in the substrate. The channel is defined by an internal channel surface disposed beneath the top surface and having a terminal end at an orifice at the top surface. A coating is disposed on the top surface and on at least a portion of the internal channel surface. A coating thickness at any point on the internal channel surface is less than a nominal coating thickness on the top surface, and the coating comprises a plurality of at least partially melted and solidified particles.