Novel temporary protective coatings were prepared by the addition of release additives to waterborne polyurethane dispersions. New types of self-crosslinkable sulfourethane-silanol (SUS) dispersions were utilized as the peelable coatings. These dispersions are stable, low-volatility organic chemical (VOC) waterborne dispersions that spontaneously crosslink upon drying without extra additives or processing steps. Tensile strengths up to 6000 psi with elongations between 300-600% were obtained for the crosslinked films. The adhesion of the films to a variety of substrates can be controlled by the addition of hydrophilic additives, including glycerol, oligomers of glycerol, and poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives. Alternatively, hydrophobic additives that are water dispersible, such as paraffin waxes and sulfated castor oil, can also be used to control adhesion. In addition, this technique can be utilized for the release of films derived from a wide variety of waterborne urethane dispersions, including carboxylated polyurethane ureas. The removable coatings are useful for the temporary protection of plastic surfaces during thermoforming processes. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1443-1449,2004.