The invention relates to a method for forming a coating on a substrate material which includes applying one or more layers of a monomer composition to a surface of the substrate. At least one monomer layer comprises a photoinitiator, and at least one monomer layer comprises a photo-generated base precursor. The monomer layer is exposed to a first wavelength of light to initiate polymerization of the monomers. The monomer layer is subsequently exposed to a second wavelength of light to terminate the polymerization.