Methods of protecting a substrate from light-induced degradation are described. The methods comprise providing a substrate and disposing onto the substrate a plurality of layers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly. At least a portion of the layers comprise an organic light absorbing compound, an organic light stabilizing compound, or a combination thereof dispersed within a polyelectrolyte. Also described are articles comprising a substrate and a plurality of layers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly wherein at least a portion of the layers comprise an organic light absorbing compound, an organic light stabilizing compound, or a combination thereof dispersed within a polyelectrolyte. Random copolymers suitable for use in the method and articles are also described.