The invention pertains to a coating for application to a substrate, whereby the coating comprises at least one thermoplastic fluorine-containing polymer, and its hardness decreases from the first surface, which is destined for application to the substrate, in the direction of the second surface which is remote from the substrate. The hardness gradient can be achieved by adding filling or reinforcing agents or by addition of at least one thermoplastic polymer. The invention additionally pertains to a gasket that consists of the coating in accordance with the invention or that comprises it.