A coating system for reducing the tendency for hydrocarbon fluids, such as fuels and oils, to form carbonaceous deposits that adhere to fluid containment surfaces. The coating system combines an outermost layer of platinum with an inner ceramic barrier layer of silica and/or tantala. The platinum layer catalyzes the hydrocarbon fluid to form particles of carbonaceous gum substances, and the ceramic barrier layer seals the containment surface from the hydrocarbon fluid to eliminate attachments points for deposits and inhibit interdiffusion between the platinum layer and the containment surface. The invention also encompasses a coating apparatus and process for depositing the coating system.