Method of forming a multilayer coating on a substrate with an aqueous based coating composition having improved metallic pigment orientation

A method of forming a multilayer coating on a substrate, comprising:

• (I) applying to the surface of the substrate as a basecoat a pigmented aqueous based coating composition containing a polymeric film forming resin;
• characterized in that the aqueous based coating composition contains as an additive from about 1 to about 40 percent by weight based on resin solids of the composition of an oligomeric ester having an acid value of from about 100 to about 500 of the structure:
• ##STR6## where X is the residue of a polyol containing from 1 to 50 carbon atoms per hydroxyl group after reaction with an acid or anhydride, R is an organic moiety from the acid or anhydride, and A has an average value of about 2 or greater;
• (II) allowing the composition applied in step (I) to at least partially dry or cure to form a basecoat on the substrate surface;
• (III) applying a clear film forming composition over the basecoat of step (II);
• (IV) allowing the clear composition of step (III) to at least partially dry or cure to form a transparent topcoat over said basecoat.