A near infrared reflective coating composition comprising a polymer resin, a polyamide resin and a suitable solvent. Preferred embodiments for the polymer resin include epoxy resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins or polyisocyanate resins. The composition further comprises additives such as a hardener, surfactant, fumed silica, metal oxide or mixed metal oxide pigments such as titanium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide or aluminium oxide. A method for forming the coating is also provided.