A process for the production of multi-layer coatings comprising the successive steps: 1) applying an 8 to 20 μm thick coating layer from an aqueous coating composition A onto a substrate provided with an EDC primer, 2) applying a 5 to 15 μm thick base coat layer from an aqueous coating composition B onto the previously applied coating layer, 3) applying a clear coat layer onto the base coat layer, 4) jointly curing the three coating layers, wherein coating compositions A and B being different from each other and wherein the coating composition A contains at least one metal platelet pigment having a thickness from 10 to 100 nm in a proportion corresponding to a pigment/resin solids ratio by weight from 0.06:1 to 0.2:1.