A colored coating for an article is provided including a first layer polymeric coating material with a transparent base which has been pigmented to a desired color and extruded, a second layer of transparent polymeric coating material which has been co-extruded with the first layer and a third layer of polymeric coating material co-extruded with the first layer opposite the second layer, the third layer being more opaque than the first layer. The invention, while having widespread application, is particularly suitable for use as a coating for an exterior surface of an automotive vehicle body panel.