A lacquer composition is provided, comprising 20%-79.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a thiol compound having two or more thiol groups, 20%-79.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a compound having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds and 0.1%-10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a separating agent having an alkyl radical having 4-20 carbon atoms, where the alkyl radical is unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted and the alkyl radical is bonded to a functional group. Also provided are the use of this lacquer composition as a protective lacquer on an optical surface of an optical element in the production of the optical element, and an optical element comprising the protective lacquer.