Xerogel and aerogel SiO2-Nb2O5 thin films were obtained and characterized by UV, visible and IR microscopy. The aerogel sheet shows a lambda-4 evolution close to monolithic one. Water and silanol contents are also analyzed for each type of thin sheets. Glass surface treatment before dip-coating was investigated using SEM, ellipsometry, reflectance measurement and contact angle. The best washing schedule was deduced. One to eight successive coatings were usually done and analyzed. Refractive indexes and thickness of the coatings are presented.