The high solids coating composition contains at least 50% by weight of a binder of film-forming constituents in which the constituents are of(A) an acrylic polymer that has a number average molecular weight of about 500-4,500, a hydroxyl content of at least 2% by weight, a glass transition temperature of about -20.degree. C. to +20.degree. C. and optionally contains a chain transfer agent, and is ofan alkyl methacrylate,a hydroxy alkyl acrylate ora hydroxy alkyl methacrylate,and optionally, an alkylacrylate or styrene(B) an alkylated melamine formaldehyde cross-linking agent;the composition is particularly useful as an exterior finish for automobiles, trucks, airplanes and can be used as an appliance finish and for coil coatings.