The formation of ZrO2 and ZrO2-Y2O3 coatings from hydrous metal oxide sols on Nicalon NLM 202 silicon carbide fibers is investigated in detail. The results indicate that the microstructure of the oxide layer and the surface morphology of the coatings depend on the physicohemical properties of the sol. Kinetic studies of the oxidation of uncoated and coated fibers at different Y2O3 contents demonstrate that the oxidation rate of silicon carbide fibers decreases with increasing coating thickness. The effect of oxidation on the phase composition of Nicalon cloth samples coated with ZrO2 and ZrO2-Y2O3 is examined.