A silicone coating composition comprising (A) a silicone resin resulting from (co)hydrolytic condensation of an alkoxysilane or a partial hydrolytic condensate thereof, (B) an aromatic-free compound for curing the silicone resin, and (C) a solvent remains stable during shelf storage. It is applied and heat cured to a plastic substrate to form a protective coat having a high hardness, mar resistance, adhesion, toughness and crack resistance.