The invention relates to a process for the continuous production of liquid coating compositions by introducing one or more low-solvent or solvent-free binders in a solid or molten state into an extruder in one stage, together with pigments and auxiliaries, wherein the components are mixed and dispersed at elevated temperature in a viscous state, then introducing proportions of binders and proportions or organic or inorganic solvents into the extruder in one or more following stages, discharging the mixture from the extruder and adding further solvents and optionally further components of the coating composition and homogenizing the process mixture in one or more rotor/stator mixers.