We report the novel use of thermoplastic acrylic lacquer (automotive paint) in the hot embossing of nanoscale structures. Replicas of grating arrays have been produced in coatings of acrylic lacquer using a standard embossing process. The master dies for the experiments comprised grating arrays fabricated by electron beam lithography. Grating patterns with a pitch of 0.7-1.3 μm were configured to produce diffractive images over an area of ~25 × 25 mm. The embossing experiments used a replicated Ni shim as a die and were performed at 100-150 °C and 80 kN force. A temperature above the reflow range for the lacquer, T = 120-150° C, was required in order to achieve a uniform impression across the embossed area of ~80 × 80 mm. The diffractive grating patterns which were embossed into acrylic lacquer have shown optical effects suitable as a security feature including image switching and color movement.