A method for protecting an organic flooring surface (e.g., VCT, wood, a synthetic laminate material, etc.) or a surface of another organic substrate includes applying a composition that includes a silicate and a siliconate to the organic substrate and, with the composition on the surface, burnishing the surface. In some embodiments, the composition may be applied to the surface for maintenance purposes (e.g., periodic cleaning and/or polishing, etc.). The silicate of the composition may include an alkali metal polysilicate, a colloidal silica, or any other suitable silicate. In addition to the silicate and siliconate, the composition may include, or even consist essentially of, acrylic latex, a silane coupling agent, and a solvent, such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Such a composition may also include a leveling agent, such as a surfactant.