A process for the production of a dark-color multi-layer coating, comprising the successive steps:(1) applying an NIR-opaque coating layer A′ from a waterborne pigmented coating composition A to a substrate,(2) applying a coating layer B′ from a waterborne pigmented coating composition B onto the substrate provided with coating layer A′,(3) subjecting the coated substrate obtained in step (2) to a drying step,(4) applying a clear coat layer, and(5) curing the coating layers simultaneously;wherein both coating compositions A and B comprise aqueous microgel and sheet silicate,wherein the pigment content of coating composition A consists 90 to 100 wt. % of aluminum flake pigment and 0 to 10 wt. % of further pigment,wherein the pigment content of coating composition B consists 50 to 100 wt. % of black pigment with low NIR absorption and 0 to 50 wt. % of further pigment.