Abstract: A composition for protecting a target surface and a method of applying the composition is provided. The composition includes a PVP compound (i.e., polyvinylpyrrolidone and moieties thereof) or an anionic polymer dispersed in a solvent such as water or a C1-C4 alcohol. The compositions can further include optional ingredients such as surfactants, fragrances, waterproofing agents, and coloring agents. The compositions are applied to the target surface in a thin layer and allowed to dry. Preferably, at least one additional coat is subsequently applied to the first layer. The dried coating layers are essentially invisible to observers and have an ASTM D2240-97 hardness of at least about 70, making them useful for protecting the target surface from potentially damaging foreign elements (e.g., such as protecting the front end of an automobile from paint chips caused by flying rocks). The layers remain substantially in place upon exposure to rain. Additional layers can be applied periodically as desired.