[Objective] To optimize the interfacial adhesion between ceramic-reinforced resin coatings and stainless steel,and to reveal the intrinsic correlation mechanism linking surface pretreatment,interfacial microstructure,and adhesion performance.[Methods]This study investigated the effects of three pretreatment processes,namely as-manual grinding,mechanical grinding,and sandblasting. Confocal microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM/EDS)were used to characterize the microtopographyof the stainless steel surface and coating interface. Combined with pull-off tests to measure the coatingadhesion,the adhesion enhancement mechanism and interfacial failure modes were analyzed. [Results]Due to the presence of a dense oxide film(Cr2O3,Fe3O4)on the original surface,gaps were easily formed between the coating and the substrate,resulting in the lowest coating adhesion(4. 9 MPa),the failure was primarily attributed to delamination between the coating and the substrate interface. By removing part of the oxide film and forming grooves,manual/mechanical grinding increased the adhesion to 15. 4-18. 0 MPa by virtue of mechanical interlocking and the stress regulation effect of ceramic phases,and the failure mode presented a mixed pattern of interfaceseparation and coating cohesive failure. Sandblasting removed the oxide film and formed three-dimensional pits,allowing the ceramic phase to interlock deeply with the pits,resulting in peak adhesion.[Conclusion] Surface pretreatment could significantly alter the interfacial microstructurebetween the metal substrate and the coating,ultimately affecting the bonding strength and final failuremode of coating. Sandblasting was the optimal pretreatment process,providing a scientific basis for theselection of pretreatment processes for ceramic-reinforced resin coatings in engineering practice.