Can coatings prevent sublimation?

[Mgt3]

Question for materials scientists: All solids evaporate (or sublimate) over some time, even steel. Could the sublimation of steel over time be prevented or slowed with a coating?
EDIT: Do diamonds themselves sublimate in a vacuum?

 

[Baluncore]

Could the sublimation of steel over time be prevented or slowed with a coating?

Yes, but it will depend on the coating, the iron may migrate and go into solution in the coating, then evaporate from the coating.

Only the existing surface sublimes, any coating will be sacrificial.

 

[Mgt3]

Yes, but it will depend on the coating, the iron may migrate and go into solution in the coating, then evaporate from the coating.

Only the existing surface sublimes, any coating will be sacrificial.

What could be used as a sacrificial coating for iron or steel?

 

[Baluncore]

What could be used as a sacrificial coating for iron or steel?

Copper, zinc, a polymer or a paint.