The invention is directed to a process for the production of a multi-layer coating comprising the following steps: A) applying a base coat layer of a pigmented color-imparting and/or special effect-imparting base coat composition onto a substrate precoated with at least one coating layer, B) applying a coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high-energy radiation, wherein the coating composition comprises at least one oligomeric and/or polymeric binder curable by means of high-energy radiation and does contain low molecular weight reactive diluents curable by means of high-energy radiation, C) curing the coating layer applied in step B) by irradiation with high-energy radiation, D) applying a clear coat layer of a transparent clear coat composition curable by means of high-energy radiation which comprises low molecular weight reactive diluents curable by means of high-energy radiation and E) curing the clear coat layer applied in step D) by irradiation with high-energy radiation.