Performance and reliability of TS coatings are strongly dependent upon their inelastic behavior.  To that end, continuum-level flow stress and hardening have been explored by recourse to e.g., indentation, substrate curvature and tensile measurements.  While the results of such efforts have great implication for process and quality control, further refinement is necessary for incorporation into models of wear, fatigue or delamination.  Here we present results and analysis of mechanical testing on metallic TS coatings deposited by different methods.  Continuum aspects of inelastic deformation are presented, including anisotropy and evolution of elastic modulus with large permanent strain.  In addition, micro-mechanical considerations including the contributions of splat distortion and splat-splat decohesion to overall behavior are discussed.