Abstract: A hydrotalcite-type compound [M2+1−xM3+x(OH)2]x+[An−x/nmH2O]x− (where M2+ is a bivalent metal ion, M3+ is a trivalent metal ion, An− is an anion of valency n and 0<x≦0.33) is mixed with a binder such as colloidal silica to obtain a film-forming composition. The film-forming composition can form strong coatings that exhibit hydrophilic properties. The hydrotalcite-type compound can disperse in water under acidic conditions, thus allowing its mixture with the binder. Once the hydrotalcite-type compound is dispersed with the acid, it can then be diluted with water or an alcohol. This makes it possible to obtain coatings containing titanium oxide, etc., that constantly exhibit hydrophilic properties with or without light irradiation.