Abstract: Cladding technology has been used extensively in industry due to its low dilution rate, small heat affected zone and high layer strength. Three common cladding methods including cold metal transition cladding, laser cladding and plasma cladding and the current research state were summarized and the cladding surface formation and cladding quality control in terms of process parameters, numerical simulations, composite cladding and external aids were reviewed. Finally, the research directions of surface cladding technology were presented.