A method and class of bond coat is provided that physically and chemically bonds solid layer lubricants and other functional coatings to a substrate by burnishing, for example, selected soft materials, including oxides such as antimony trioxide, against the substrate. The new method and bond coat is a major improvement over conventional bonding or coating methods. The process is non-vacuum at ambient temperatures, requiring no binders, adhesives, curing or baking. Lubricant performance can be enhanced by orders of magnitude compared to when the bond coat and burnishing process are not applied. The method is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, applicable to any substrate material, and scalable.