Abstract: Provided are coating-forming coating compositions comprising the following components A and B, preferably further including the following component C and/or D, and having superior surface hardness, abrasion resistance, flexibility, dyeability and durability, as well as coatings formed by curing such coating compositions:A. A vinyl polymer having a group represented by the general formula R.sup.1.sub.m (R.sup.2 O).sub.3-m Si- wherein R.sup.1 is methyl or ethyl, R.sup.2 is an alkyl, alkoxyalkyl or acyl group having not more than 4 carbon atoms, with silicon being attached to the polymer by Si-C bond, and m is 0, 1 or 2.B. Fine particles of silica having an average diameter of particles in the range of about 1 to about 200 nm.C. A curing catalyst.D. At least one compound selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, epoxy resins, cellulose resins, amino resins and silicon compounds represented by the general formula R.sup.5.sub.a R.sup.6.sub.b Si(OR.sup.7).sub.