Various objects may be maintained in their original condition or protected from further damage by physical, chemical, and biological forces by applying thereto thin, continuous, impervious coatings of vapor-deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer or derivatives thereof. By the invention, it is possible to protect paintings, photographs, documents, articles of sculpture, silver objects, coins, fishing hooks and lures, marine fittings and hardware, batteries, fuel cells, automotive parts, water pollution control devices, logic circuits, electrical components, electric motors and parts, light bulbs, ammunitions, fireworks, glass items, decorative items, timepieces, and decorative wrought iron grillwork.