Due to its high electrical conductivity and unique refractory properties, graphite has been widely used in several industrial applications. However, one of the major disadvantages associated with its use lies in its low mechanical resistance to shear stress. Therefore, for engineering applications that involve frictional stress, the surface mechanical properties of graphite need to be improved. Alumina (Al2O3) is a ceramic material that shows stability at high temperatures, as well as mechanical and corrosion resistance. The present study focused on the morphological evaluation of Al2O3 nanoparticle coatings produced via electrophoretic deposition (EPD), as a first step towards developing graphite-based materials with enhanced resistance to shear stress. The deposition of alumina on graphite samples was evaluated, and the influence of the following process parameters was studied: colloid stability and charge, EPD applied voltage and substrate characteristics. Colloidal stability was measured by Z potential and the morphology and rugosity of the obtained coatings was evaluated by confocal microscopy. A stable, regular, and homogeneous alumina coating was successfully obtained on graphite substrates, using EPD. The characteristics of the coating were strongly related to the Z potential of the precursor colloid, the substrate roughness, the applied voltage and the sintering process.