Lithium ion batteries are typically based on one of three positive-electrode materials, namely layered oxides, olivine- and spinel-type materials. The structure of any of them is 'resistant' to electrochemical cycling, and thus, often requires modification/post-treatment to improve a certain property, for example, structural stability, ionic and/or electronic conductivity. This review provides an overview of different examples of coatings and surface modifications used for the positive-electrode materials as well as various characterization techniques often chosen to confirm/detect the introduced changes. It also assesses the electrochemical success of the surface-modified positive-electrode materials, thereby highlighting remaining challenges and pitfalls.