Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide composition for protection of surfaces comprising an aqueous solution of at least two components, the first component (A) being a high molecular weight polysaccharide or a mixture of high molecular weight polysaccharides having an average molecular weight Mw of at least 100 000, and being capable of forming a gel, and the second component (B) being a low molecular weight polysaccharide or a mixture of low molecular weight polysaccharides having an average molecular weight Mw of 400-75 000, and being capable of inhibiting gel formation in said composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing such a composition, the use of the composition for protecting a surface, a method for protecting a substrate surface using the composition, and to a substrate surface coated with the composition.