The present invention relates to a rare earth-containing, alkali silicate frit which may be applied to a metal substrate to provide a porcelain enamel coating which has good thermal stability, an acid resistance of A on the PEI scale and improved cleanability, wherein the frit contains, based on the total weight of the frit: wherein R represents an alkali metal and X represents a rare earth oxide having an atomic number of 57-60, preferably cerium oxide. The present invention is also directed to porcelain enamel coatings, especially for appliances, prepared from this rare earth-containing, alkali silicate frit.