A method of applying coating composition is described in which the coating composition comprises a multi-stage emulsion polymer that is both radiation curable, removable and includes chemically reactive functional groups in the coating that react with one or more conventional chemical stripping agents, effecting the removal of the coating from a substrate. The UV curable and removable composition is included within one or more layers applied on top of a substrate or on top of a base coat that itself is disposed on top of a substrate.