Abstract: A process for the multi-layer repair coating of substrates, wherein a base coat layer of a water-based base coat coating composition is applied to a precoated substrate and a clear coat layer of a transparent clear coat coating composition is applied to the base coat layer thus obtained, characterised in that the base coat layer of the colour- and/or special effect-imparting water-based base coat coating composition is applied in three successive spray passes, and each spray pass is executed such that uniform, adjacent and substantially non-overlapping coating strips are applied to the substrate surface to be coated.