A composite thermal barrier and methods of applying the composite thermal barrier to a metallic surface within a combustion chamber of an engine. The composite thermal barrier includes at least one metallic support structure, a metallic skin, and an insulation material. The metallic support structure is connected to a metallic surface within the combustion chamber of the engine. The metallic skin is disposed adjacent to the metallic support structure to define a void space between the metallic skin and the metallic surface. The insulation material is contained within the volume to form the composite thermal barrier.