Abstract: The present invention provides a scratch masking coating system for glass containers such as bottles that is adaptable to a variety of bottle surface and application conditions. The scratch masking coating is applied as an oil in water emulsion which provides flexibility in handling and application techniques while minimizing handling problems. In the present invention, the oil in water emulsion is treated with an emulsion breaker or destabilizer so that the emulsion is destabilized or broken after application to the surface to be treated. The destabilization or breaking is instigated by the addition of an emulsion breaker or heat to the emulsion in sufficient quantity to provide the desired break time.