A protective coating composition for application to decorative surfaces and the like, the coating composition comprising a solution of a polymerized haloethylene and an organic solvent therefor, the solution being finely dispersed in a diluent in such proportions so that the solution is evenly and thinly spread onto surfaces when sprayed thereon and in such proportions insufficient to cause settling of the polymer solution in a relatively short period of time following gentle agitation. The diluent is volatile for rapid evaporation and comprises, for example, a polyhalogenated hydrocarbon having one to four carbon atoms as, for example, trichloroethane. The coating composition can be mixed with an aerosol and sprayed from an aerosol container onto the surface so that the composition visibly covers the surface to be protected. The composition is then dried to evaporate the diluent and the solvent for the polymer, leaving a white dust-like film on the surface. The film is then easily wiped off to leave a thin transparent coating of, for example, less than 2/1000 of an inch on the surface. The composition is applied to all kinds of surfaces such as painted and unpainted metal surfaces, plastic surfaces and wood surfaces. The composition can also be applied to fruits and vegetables having peelable skins and has been found to greatly retard deterioration and spoiling of the fruits and vegetables.