Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful coating for protecting surfaces. The coating is not only decorative but is resistant to chemicals, abrasives, and to weather. The invention consists of adding fragmented glass bubbles to a protective coating solution such as paint. Prior to fragmentation of the glass bubbles they are treated with either a hydro or oleo phobic agent which will cause the fragmented bubble pieces to rise to the paint's surface. The fragmented bubbles form a glass surface when the protective coating is applied to a substrate. The untreated surfaces of the glass bubbles, that is the interior portion of the glass bubble prior to fragmentation, form a bond between themselves and the protective coating.