Abstract: An organic lubricating coating composition for use in plastic deformation of a metal sheet comprises a maleic anhydride/styrene copolymer which has been at least partially esterified with one or more organic hydroxy compounds, or a salt of the esterified copolymer. The molar ratio of the maleic anhydride component to the styrene component in the copolymer is in the range of from 1:99 to 75:25. At least 10% by weight of the organic hydroxy compounds is comprised of a long-chain hydroxy compound containing from 10 to 30 carbon atoms.