Abstract YBaCuO and YBaCuO/Ag thick films (∼20 μm) were deposited onto Al2O3, spinel and ZrO2-based substrates. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), reflected light optical microscopy (RLOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and d.c. resistivity measurements (77—300 K). The effect of the calcining cycle on the microstructure, adherence and electrical properties was determined. Superconducting films with T(R = 0) ≥ 85 K were only obtained in the ZrO2-based substrates. Silver addition promoted liquid appearance at lower temperatures and improved the electrical properties of the film. Environmental, as well as thermal cycling degradation, were studied by dc resistivity measurements. Water and CO2 attacks lead to a significant increase on the room temperature resistivity of the film; conversely, thermal cycling between 77 and 290 K did not affect the electrical properties. The effect of the substrate roughness was also investigated.