Abstract: The aqueous thermosetting acrylic enamel is used to finish flexible substrates that are used for automobile and truck bumpers, flexible filler panels located between the bumper and the chassis, flexible fender extensions, flexible exterior trim parts and other impact and energy absorbing parts; the enamel is an aqueous composition containing the following film-forming constituents:A. an acrylic polymer of an alkyl methacrylate having 1-4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group or styrene or a mixture thereof, an alkyl methacrylate having 6-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group or an alkyl acrylate having 2-12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, a hydroxy alkyl acrylate or methacrylate or a mixture thereof; and an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid; andB. a heat reactive condensate such as an alkylated melamine formaldehyde resin;Wherein the film-forming constituents are neutralized with ammonia or an amine to a pH of about 7-10.