The invention relates to a mixture for the application of a polymeric coating to a substrate. Said mixtures comprises water and optionally an organic solvent, at least one water-dispersible radically polymerizable compound, at least one water-dispersible polymerizable crosslinking compound and at least one water-dispersible compound which forms free radicals upon exposure to actinic radiation. The radically polymerizable compound cannot fully set with the free radicals formed on irradiation at room temperature, but rather comprises further reactive bonds, which lead to further or complete setting with the crosslinking compound. The invention further relates to a method for application of a non-adhesive corrosion protection layer to a substrate, by application of a mixture to the surface of a metallic or polymeric substrate, drying the mixture and irradiation of the applied coating with actinic radiation of such an intensity and for such a period that a solid, hard, tough coating is formed.