The invention is directed to a detectable and stable composition comprising an organofunctional silane and/or hydrolyzate and/or partial or complete condensate thereof, a colloidal metal oxide, a water soluble organic dye having a positive charge and a counterion derived from a carboxylic acid of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and water. The invention is also directed to a method for determining the uniformity and film thickness of a detectable composition applied to a substrate comprising applying to the surface of the substrate the detectable composition and measuring an optical property of the applied coating, the resulting measurement being related to the uniformity of the applied composition.