this invention relates to an article comprising a transparent stack of sheets that may be applied , for example , to protect substrates such as glass or plastic windows , signage or displays . the stack of sheets has a vertically staggered side edge which allows for easy identification of the topmost sheet in the stack for removal therefrom from the stack of sheets . the topmost sheet can be peeled away after it is damaged to reveal an undamaged sheet below . the invention also relates to the protected substrates and a method of protecting substrates such as glass or plastic windows , signage and displays from vandalism or other surface damage by adhering the stack of sheets to the substrate to be protected and subsequently pulling a topmost sheet away from the stack after it becomes damaged .