The non-dimensional finite element method is used to study performance characteristics of annular fins when subjected to both interface resistance as well as coating layer over the fin surface. Governing dimensionless parameters are identified for coating and interface resistance effects. It is found that the coating (interface) effects are governed by a single dimensionless parameter that groups all important material and geometric parameters of the fin substrate and coating (interface) layer. The analysis is first conducted for a rectangular profile or constant thickness fin, over the range of fin lateral Blot number 0.001 <= Biz(f) <= 1, which showed an upper bound of the governing dimensionless parameters for which the coating and interface effects become negligible. The investigation is then extended to variable thickness profile annular fins, which showed the behavior of coating and interface resistances very similar to that of rectangular profile. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.