A method of protecting musical instrument strings comprising the steps of applying a fluorochemical acrylate polymer coating carried in a hydrofluoroether solvent to the strings of a musical instrument, so as to leave a low surface energy film covering the strings at a thickness of less than one micron which is resistant to oils and dirt, and provides virtually no interference with the sound generating properties of the string. The polymer coating is non-toxic, non-ozone depleting, non-flammable and contains not volatile organic compounds. The polymer is insoluble in solvents including heptane, toluene and water, however it is soluble in fluorinated solvents.