New glass coating materials containing gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy-silane/zirconium(IV)-n-propoxide(2-methoxyethylacetoacetate)/lead(II) nitrate were developed for UV-light absorption by sol-gel process. The effect of agitation time, temperature, and Zr complex and Pb2+ ion concentrations on UV light absorption were investigated. Zr complex was characterized by using H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy was utilized to determine the optical properties of coating materials. Results showed that coated glass has very low transmission in the UV region (300-400 nm) relative to uncoated glass, especially at 150 degrees C for 15 h agitation. UV light transmission of coated glasses treated at 80, 100, 450, or 500 degrees C was not different from uncoated glass. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.