Chromium is deposited on a surface using a coating tape having a source layer including a powdered source of chromium, a solid reactant that reacts with solid chromium at elevated temperature to produce a gaseous chromium-containing compound, an inert powder dispersed with the powdered source of chromium, and a binder. Preferably, a porous media layer including a porous media material and a binder is affixed to the source layer. The coating tape is positioned adjacent to the surface of the substrate, with the porous media layer, where present, in contact with the surface. The coating tape and substrate are placed into a container, and the container is heated to elevated temperature in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The gaseous chromium-containing compound is produced and chromium is deposited from the gaseous chromium-containing compound onto the surface of the substrate.