The one to eight Ni-based coatings were prepared by electrospark deposition (ESD)technique using layer by layer method.Mass transfer regularity and loss form of Ni-based electrode were explored. The results show that the average mass transfer coefficient from electrode to substrate is about 0.76; The mass loss of the electrode presents as gasification, splash of molten drops and oxidation; The shielding gas, for example the gas Ar, plays an important role during ESD process; The dilution of the substrate to the coating is becoming lower and lower with the increasing thickness of the ESDcoating.