A protective finish is a coating applied to a surface to protect it from damage or wear. The two crossword solutions for the term protective finish are 'COAT' and 'ENAMEL'. COAT is a four letter word that refers to a thin layer of material applied to a surface, while ENAMEL is a six letter word that refers to a glossy, hard coating made from a combination of resins, pigments, and other materials. Both COAT and ENAMEL can be used as protective finishes on surfaces to protect them from damage or wear.