A photolatent amine producing the strong nitrogen base DBN was shown to be an efficient catalyst for triggering the concomitant base-catalyzed crosslinking of an organic thiol/epoxide formulation and the formation of inorganic nanoparticles from suitable precursors. Organic-inorganic hybrid coatings containing well-dispersed inorganic silica or zinc oxide nanoparticles were thus obtained and analyzed. The combination of the properties of these nanoparticles with the features of the organic matrix provides coatings with outstanding characteristics. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.