PURPOSE: To obtain a coating material which does not suffer from problems arising from the use of an organic solvent and can give a coating film excellent in scratch and wear resistances and surface smoothness.

CONSTITUTION: This coating composition contains 0.5-10.0wt.%, based on the total weight of the water-based varnish resin, polyethylene oxide. This composition can form a coating film improved in wear and scratch resistances without detriment to the other film properties. The dispersion stability of the wax in the water-based coating material is also very good. This composition has many industrial excellent effects such as improved resistance to scratching and damaging during producing and transporting drink cans, etc.