A dry-strippable coating composition can be incorporated into a composite article and comprises a dried water-borne polyurethane dispersion including a release additive comprising a releasing co-solvent or other selected release material. When water is removed from the polyurethane dispersion of the composite article and when the article comprises a thermoformable substrate, the article can be thermoformed to provide a shaped article. Dry-stripping the coating composition from the substrate provides a thermoformed substrate and a thermoformed protective layer. The dry-strippable coatings provide temporary protection for the surface of various products and components during manufacture, assembly, shipping, installation, painting, and refinishing operations.