Abstract: Process for the production of multi-layer coatings, comprising the successive steps: 1) applying a 10 to 35 ?m thick base coat layer to a substrate provided with an EDC primer, 2) applying a clear coat layer onto the base coat layer, 3) jointly curing the base coat and clear coat layers, wherein the base coat layer is applied in a first layer and in a second layer; the first layer comprises a modified water-borne base coat produced by mixing an unmodified water-borne base coat with a pigmented admixture component and the second layer comprises the unmodified water-borne base coat, wherein the admixture component contains one or more binders A, has a ratio by weight of pigment content to resin solids content of 0.05:1 to 1:1 and is mixed into the unmodified water-borne base coat in a ratio by weight of 0.