This book is a glimpse into the sol-gel universe, providing a wealth of information to curious undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.The book focuses on the direct application of the sol-gel technique to synthesize the transparent silica coatings which exhibit remarkable surface properties. Research scholars will find techniques to combine remarkable surface properties such as transparency, hydrophobicity and enhanced scratch resistance of coatings. Detailed within is an eco-friendly route to enhance the hydrophobicity of coatings.