A composition for improving the heat reflectivity and the heat resistance of a metal substrate. The coating composition comprises a latex resin including acrylic polymers; silica; and a fire retardant including at least one of a phosphated pentaerythritol ammonium salt, an organo-polyphosphate ammonium salt, an ammonium salt, and a Magnesium salt. The silica reflects and resists heat. Additionally, the silica raises the decomposition temperature of the resin by insulating the resin from heat and reflecting heat away from the resin. This, in turn, increases the ability of the composition to maintain its bond to the substrate at high temperatures. As such, the coating remains on the substrate where it reflects and resists heat, i.e., it does not easily brush or rub off after several hours of exposure to high heat. The silica can be rice hull silica.