Abstract: A coating composition made with fumed silica, a hydroxy-functional amide compound, and a volatile organic portion, wherein the volatile organic portion comprises about 1 to about 7% by weight of a first volatile organic liquid or combination of first volatile organic liquids (i) having an evaporation rate less than or equal to 0.1 and (ii) in which the hydroxy-functional amide compound is insoluble has improved sag resistance. Sag resistance may be further improved by including in the volatile organic portion at least about 10% by weight of a second volatile organic liquid having an evaporation rate greater than or equal to about 2.0. Finally, flow and leveling of the coating (resulting in reduced orange peel and smoother appearance) can be improved, without worsening sag resistance, by including from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a dispersant for the fumed silica based on weight of fumed silica, wherein the dispersant is soluble in the first volatile organic liquid or liquids.