A process for producing multi-layer coatings in light metallic color shades and reducing UV transmission there-through comprising the successive steps of: (1) applying a 10 to 30 μm thick base coat layer to a pre-coated substrate, (2) applying a clear coat layer onto the base coat layer, and (3) jointly curing the base coat and clear coat layers, wherein the base coat layer is applied from an unmodified water-borne metallic base coat having a ratio by weight of pigment to resin solids of 0.3:1 to 0.45:1, wherein the pigment content consists of 90% to 100% by weight of at least one non-leafing aluminum pigment with a platelet thickness over 100 to 500 nm and 0 to 10% by weight of at least one pigment different from aluminum pigments, wherein the pigment(s) different from aluminum pigments are selected in such a way that the multi-layer coating obtained exhibits a brightness L* (according to CIEL*a*b*, DIN 6174), of at least 80 units.