The invention relates to a silyl ester copolymer solution having a solids content of at least 55 weight percent and a viscosity of less than 20 poise at 25.degree. C., comprising a silyl ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of less than 20,000. The invention further relates to coating compositions comprising a silyl ester copolymer and to substrates and structures having a cured coating prepared from such a coating composition.