AbstractThe performance of single layer TiAlN and multilayered TiAlN/CrN physical vapour deposition coatings deposited on AISI P20 steel substrate in affecting overall fatigue resistance of notched specimens was assessed and compared with the performance of the uncoated counterparts. V‐shaped circumferential notches on cylindrical specimens were adopted for fatigue tests. Surface coating characteristics such as hardness, elastic modulus and microstrains were measured and found to be different and often larger than those of the steel substrate. Unlike the un‐notched (smooth) coated specimens, which are known to exhibit large improvements in fatigue life in the high cycle fatigue regime, considerable reductions in fatigue life of the coated notched samples were observed. This was understood to be because of the coating's brittleness, which induces at the notch tip early and frequent fatigue crack initiations, especially in the case of multiple layered coatings. Scanning electron microscope images showed more crack initiation sites in both the coated specimens compared with the uncoated specimen. Also, presence of dimples on the surface confirmed dimple rupture mechanism in the ductile steel substrate in the coated and uncoated specimens.