Abstract: Disclosed is a process comprising application of one or more successive hot-melt coatings to solid surfaces of an article or alternatively to a pavement surface, immediately followed by application of a water-thinned coating to the hot-melt coating. Preferred articles are comprised of forest products or ferrous metals and may be for interior or exterior use. This coating system can function as a primer applied at the point of manufacture of the article and intended to receive one or more additional coats of conventional paint. Alternatively, it can function as a finished coating system. Coating systems applied to pavement can be for lane marking. Coatings can be formed that are very durable on difficult forest product surfaces and can be designed to emit virtually no air pollutants and to be free of toxic or flammable solvents.