<p>Generating periodic blind holes on tool surfaces&#xa0;is a well-established&#xa0;method for reducing temperature, friction, and forces during contact&#xa0;machining. While nanosecond laser processing is efficient and cost-effective for creating these features, it suffers from adverse thermal effects, reduced precision, and necessitates post-processing. This study aims to enhance surface quality in nanosecond laser processing of tungsten carbide cobalt by employing assistance from a water spray mist. A custom-designed chromatic confocal sensor measured the flowing water film thickness at 48&#xa0;µm. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that spray-mist-assisted laser processing avoids the induction of the W₂C phase and minimizes the formation of the WC₁₋ₓ phase compared to in-air processing. Effective water confinement and molten material removal were achievable up to a pulse repetition rate of 20&#xa0;kHz; beyond this rate, there is insufficient time for cavitation dynamics to complete, and the water overlay cannot fully confine plasma from subsequent laser pulses. Water confinement enhanced molten material removal due to increased plasma-induced recoil pressure, reducing redeposited recast material and micro-cracking across the evaluated peak fluence range of 6.9 to 51.9&#xa0;J/cm². The recast layer’s volume was reduced by up to 83% compared to in-air processing, and the height of the recast rim decreased from 12.4 to 1.6&#xa0;µm.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>