Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a transparent coating composition which is based essentially on a polycondensation reaction. The coating composition produced by this method is based on a completely through-condensed inorganic silicate network whilst the organic network is not yet formed. The invention also relates to a method for coating substrates with coating compositions of this type with formation of a coated substrate in which, in addition to the inorganic network, the organic network is also formed by the curing process. Coating compositions of this type and coated substrates are used widely in all optical fields of application.

Abstract: A silicon-based lacquer is obtained by precondensation of a silicon compound and organic silanes followed by hydrolysis of the precondensate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lacquer obtained by the process comprising the steps of: (i) precondensation of: a) 1 to 10 mol % of at least one zirconium compound of the formula ZrR.sub.4 ; b) 20 to 94 mol % of at least one organic silane of the formula R".sub.m (R'"Y).sub.n SiX.sub.(4-m-n) ; c) 5 to 30 mol % of at least one organic silane of the formula R".sub.p SiX.sub.4-p ; d) optionally 0 to 10 mol % of at least one low-volatility metal oxide; and (ii) hydrolysis condensation of the precondensate of step (i) in the presence of 0 to 50% of the stoichiometric amount of water. The invention also relates to a process for the obtention of a coating on substrate which comprises the steps of applying the lacquer and curing same. The invention also relates to the thus-coated substrates.