Multi-layer coating for stain protection and stain release

A method for forming a protective coating, comprising:

• applying a hydrophobic base coating, the hydrophobic base coating comprising one or more of a hyperbranched polymer and a comb-polymer, wherein the hydrophobic base coating is applied using a bath coating process, a kiss coating process, or spray coating process;
• and
• applying a hydrophilic top coating onto the hydrophobic base coating, the hydrophilic top coating comprising one or more of a metal oxide, a metal phosphate complex, a metal hydroxy phosphate complex, a metal phosphonate complex, a metal hydroxy phosphonate complex, a metal thiophosphonate complex, a metal sulfonate complex, a metal hydroxy sulfonate complex, and any combination thereof.

A protective coating comprising:

• a hydrophobic base coating comprising one or more of a hyperbranched polymer and a comb-polymer, wherein the hydrophobic base coating is free of fluorocarbon compounds;
• and
• a hydrophilic top coating disposed on the hydrophobic base coating, wherein the hydrophilic top coating is free of fluorocarbon compounds.