Process for creating three-dimensional patterns in coatings

A process for the production of three-dimensional patterns in coatings, comprising applying a flowable coating composition to a substrate with formation of a first layer, and contacting the first layer in an unsolidified state with a die which has a surface with raised elements in such a way that the raised elements of the die produce recesses in the first layer, removing the die, and optionally coating the first layer containing recesses with a second coating composition with formation of a second layer, where at least one of the coating compositions comprises flake-form effect pigments, the die is a printing plate for a relief printing process and is a letterpress printing plate, a letterset printing plate or a flexographic printing plate, the recesses in the first layer are not deeper than 10 μm and the layer(s) is (are) solidified.