Abstract: The invention provides for a coating composition for metal surfaces wherein the binder is made up of (A) 10-80% by weight of a solid, powdered polyamide having a softening point of 110.degree.-230.degree. C. and an average particle size of 0.5-200 .mu. m, (B) 20-90% by weight of a hydroxyl groups-containing polymer having a number average molecular weight of 800-20,000 and a hydroxyl functionality of 1.5-6, and the composition also contains a cross-linking agent for component B in an amount such that the molar ratio of the reactive groups of the cross-linking agent to that of component B is 0.6-1.5, and 40-60% by weight of an organic solvent for component B, the boiling point thereof being 140.degree.-310.degree. C. The invention also relates to a process for coating a metal surface using said coating composition.