A method of protecting a surface includes applying to the surface a protective composition containing an aqueous wax emulsion. The composition prevents or reduces degradation of the surface of equipment in a facility where the surface is contacted by alkali metal silicate solutions. The compositions are useful, for example, in facilities for treating poultry or other meat carcasses with alkali metal silicates, in facilities for manufacturing detergents, in paper mills, and in any other facility using liquid alkali metal silicate.