A method of preparing a photochromic optical article is provided, which includes: (i) applying a first organic solvent to a surface of an optical substrate, thereby forming an organic solvent wetted surface on the optical substrate; and (ii) applying a curable photochromic coating composition over the organic solvent wetted surface of said optical substrate, thereby forming a curable photochromic coating layer over the surface of the optical substrate. The curable photochromic coating composition includes a second organic solvent, and the first and second organic solvents are miscible with each other. With some embodiments, the first and second organic solvents are the same.