Objective To study the influence of carbon fiber content, additives (dispersing agent and anti settling agent) and coating thickness on the surface resistivity of coating. Methods With polyurethane as base material and short cut carbon fiber as conductive filler, a series of different carbon fiber contents of carbon fiber/PU conductive coating and coating were prepared by adding different additives. Surface resistivity of the coating was tested and analyzed. Results The carbon fiber content was directly related to the surface resistance of coating. Considering the electric properties and the mechanical properties of coating, carbon fiber content in the coating was set at 4%~8% appropriately. Dispersing agent added could reduce the surface resistivity of the coating. Dispersing agent content was set at 12%~14% appropriately. Anti settling agent added would lead to a rise in the coating surface resistivity. Considering the coating anti settling effect and the resistance factors, the anti settling agent was set at 0.5%~1.5% appropriately. Carbon fiber conductive coating in construction should be sprayed by 2~4 layers and the thickness should be controlled at 10~30 μm. Conclusion Short cut carbon fiber, anti settling agent, leveling agent and other additives and coating thickness have a certain degree of influence on the conductive properties of the coating. It is necessary to optimize the formulation and technology according to the actual demand so as to achieve the best conductive capability.