At least a two-layer protective coating system including: (a) a layer of a fusion bonded epoxy, and (b) a layer of a spray-dried protective powder coating disposed on at least a portion of the top surface of the fusion bonded epoxy layer (a), said powder coating being cured to form a protective coating on at least a portion of the fusion bonded epoxy layer; a process for preparing the above two-layer protective coating system; a substrate such as a metal pipe coated with the above two-layer protective coating system; and a process for producing a coated article such as a coated metal pipe using the above two-layer protective coating system.