Abstract: A coating method, which comprises(i) applying to a substrate a multilayer film-forming cationic electrodeposition paint composed of(A) a cationic electrodepositable epoxy resin having a surface tension of 40 to 60 dynes/cm and being able to form a cathodically electrodepositable aqueous bath by neutralization with an acid, and(B) a nonionic film-forming resin having a surface tension of 25 to 45 dynes/cm,the weight ratio of resin (A) to resin (B) being from 60:40 to 98:2 and the surface tension of resin (A) being greater than that of resin (B), and curing the coated film by heating,(ii) applying a water-base or organic solvent-base colored paint as a first top coat, and(iii) applying as a second top coat a powder paint capable of forming a transparent film which may be colored.