A protective coating composition and a method for coating a metal substrate are provided. The composition and method are particularly suitable for coating can ends. The coating composition includes a film-forming polymer that includes an epoxy-based resin, a lubricant system, and a solvent or water component or mixture of solvent and water. The lubricant system includes a first surface modifier that reduces the coefficient of friction and a second surface modifier that reduces the abrasion of the cured coating.