a method for applying a polymer to a substrate having a first surface and a second surface . one or more apertures are provided through the substrate , with the apertures linking the first and second surfaces . a polymer coating is applied to the first and second surfaces , with some of the polymer coating flowing into and remaining within the aperture . the polymer coating within the aperture serves to link the polymer coating covering the first surface and the polymer coating covering the second surface . the invention also encompasses coated objects made using the inventive method .