Calculation was carried out for phase velocity and deformation wave decay in a layer of viscoelastic material fixed tightly on the solid substrate. Analysis has been performed regarding the inner structure of the wave, i.e., the proportions between the vertical and horizontal displacements and their profiles. The wave characteristics depend strongly on media compressibility factor. The effect of viscous losses on parameters of the main oscillation mode was studied in detail. Results were compared with the model of coating with local deformation. A new experimental approach was made in order to measure such wave properties of a compliant coating as the dependency of deformation wave velocity on frequency and decay factor was made. The method for estimation of coating parameters enabling the drag reduction in turbulent flow was then refined.