The present invention provides surface treated articles comprising a recoatable surface treatment of an acrylic or vinyl polymer that does not change the appearance of the treated surface, and which imparts blocking resistance and/or stain and dirt pickup resistance to the treated surface. The one or more acrylic or vinyl polymer has a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 100,000, a glass transition temperature of −10° C. or higher, preferably, 30° C. or higher, and comprises the polymerization product of one or more non-ionic monomer, such as methyl methacrylate, with up to 47 wt. % of an ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and, preferably, is non-migrating under use conditions. When dry, the surface treatments may form a layer of domains of polymer distributed all over the treated surface, rather than a film. Treated articles include coating or painted articles and elastomer films.