The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to an image forming apparatus comprising an overcoat layer disposed directly over in contact with the top circumferential surface of a seamed intermediate transfer belt, and methods for making the same. The overcoat layer, comprising a film forming A-B diblock copolymer and conductive particles dispersion, not only renders the seam area physical/mechanical/electrical continuity for achieving absolute belt surface imageability to function like a seamless intermediate transfer belt, it also provides increased mechanical strength to resist fatigue-bend cracking under normal dynamic intermediate transfer belt machine cycling conditions in the field. The overcoat of this disclosure thus helps to reduce wear and extend service life of the belt.