The beam-matter interaction with various coating effects has received continued attention in the high power laser community. Previous works suggest that coatings promote target damage when compared to beaming on uncoated surface. Three types of paint coatings(Acrylic urethane, Silicone alkyd and Stealth blend) and a water coat on metals(Al, Ti and STS) are irradiated with a $CO_2$ laser. Both strain and temperature measurements are provided for assessing the instantaneous response characteristics of each coating on different metals. A selective combination of surface coats with metals has proven effective in either preventing or enhancing damage, both thermal and mechanical, associated with focused beaming on a target.