A system and method for producing a conformal electroluminescent coating on an object wherein an electrically conductive base backplane film layer is applied upon a substrate. One or more intermediate layers, such as dielectric, or phosphor film layers, is/are applied upon the conductive backplane film layer. An electrode film layer is applied upon the one or more intermediate layers using a substantially transparent, electrically conductive material. The electroluminescent phosphor is excitable by an electrical field established across the phosphor film layer such that the device emits electroluminescent light upon application of an electrical charge between the conductive backplane film layer and the electrode film layer.