The Sr doped lanthanum manganite coatings were prepared using La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 particles and epoxy modified polyurethane as pigment and resin matrix, respectively. The structure, morphology, surface roughness and infrared normal emissivity (ɛ N ) in the 3–5 and 8–14μm wavebands of the samples were systematically investigated. With the increase of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 pigment, the ɛ N of the coatings decreases and the ɛ N values in the 8–14μm waveband are higher than those in the 3–5μm waveband. The surface roughness has no significant effect on the infrared emissivity of LSMO coatings. For 50% LSMO coating, the sample shows variable-emissivity property in the 8–14μm waveband and the emissivity property remains unchanged before and after ultraviolet irradiation.