Provided herein are silicon-based compositions, which after curing is a coating composition having strong substrate adhesion and scratch resistance. The compositions are formed from a mixture of constituents comprising: from about 20% to about 90% (w/w) of a first siloxane selected from the group consisting of silsesquioxane, methylmethoxysiloxane, and combinations thereof; and from about 10% to about 80% (w/w) of one or more silicon compounds selected from the group consisting of a second siloxane, silane, and silazane. Optionally, the compositions may comprise from about 0.1% to about 5% (w/w) alkyltitanate.