Described are articles having an aminoplast resin photochromic coating prepared from an aminoplast resin, component(s) having at least two different functional groups and photochromic substances. The coatings exhibit a Fischer microhardness of from 45 to 180 Newtons per mm.sup.2 and desirable photochromic properties, i.e., the formation of darker activated colors and faster rates of photochromic activation and fade when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Also described are photochromic aminoplast resin articles.