Aqueous multiphase dispersions for multicolour coatings

Aqueous multiphase dispersions for multicolour coatings are produced by a process essentially comprising the steps of: providing one or more emulsion paints; adding at least one linear colloid capable of being insolubilised by borate ions and at least one hydrophilic inorganic clay to said paints to form base paints; providing an aqueous medium containing at least one hydrophilic inorganic clay; adding said base paints into said aqueous medium; adding borate ions to said aqueous medium; adding at least one emulsified binder to said medium; each of the emulsion paints having a different colour. It is preferred to use galactomannoglycans as colloid (most preferably guar gum) and synthetic clays (most preferably of the smectite or hectorite types).