The present invention relates to a porous ceramic substrate for use as a particle filter, with a porosity of at least 50%, which comprises a non-uniform coating layer of an oxide component in contact with a surface of the ceramic substrate, which oxide component is distributed on the surface and in dead-end pores of the ceramic substrate and creates the non-uniform coating layer on the substrate support, wherein the coating layer has a substantially smooth surface. Such substrate is typically a particle filter or part of a particle filter, e.g. a DPF.