An aqueous effect coating material, comprising (A) at least one water-soluble, -dilutable and/or -dispersible binder, (B) at least one effect pigment, and (C) at least one silicon compound of the general formula I [(E).sub.nL]Si(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3) (I) in which the index and the variables are defined as follows: n is an integer from 1 to 5; E is a reactive functional group; L is an at least divalent, linking, organic group; R.sup.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkoxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, alkyl or aryl radical; and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another are substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkoxy, alkoxy or aryloxy radicals or hydroxyl groups; preparation process, and its use.