A method of coating metallic substrates with weldable primer and at least one powder coating is provided by the present invention. The base powder coating contains flake pigments that align parallel to the surface when the powder coating is heated. Optionally, a clear top coating is applied over the base powder coating. Substrates coated by the method of coating are also provided. The method of coating allows substrates coated with weldable primer to be assembled into assemblies or finished parts by welding, and then to be coated with the powder basecoat and clear coat. The parts prepared have striking visual effects and performance comparable to conventional automotive parts but are prepared more efficiently and economically.