An improved substrate surface texture i.e., roughness, significantly improves the adhesion of thermal spray coatings. The surface texture is defined by two metrology parameters and the invention comprehends a range of average roughness (Sa) between 9 and 15 μm and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of greater than 100%. This surface texture is achieved by methods such as water jet erosion, mechanical roughening, laser texturing, chemical etching and plasma etching. The surface texture is especially beneficial for walls of cylinders of internal combustion engines, hydraulic cylinders and similar components to which a thermal spray coating is adhered and which are exposed to sliding or frictional wear.