A motor core coated with a multi-layer insulating film. The insulating film preferably includes in order: an electrodeposited coating film applied upon an outer surface of the motor core; a first spray coated insulating film applied upon an outer surface of the electrodeposited coating film the first film having a pencil hardness of between about 2H and 4H; and a second spray-coated insulating film applied upon an outer surface of the first spray-coated insulating film, the second film having a pencil hardness of between about 3H and 6H. The invention is additionally directed to a variety of methods for forming such insulation-coated cores.
