National Paints publishes a recommended paint system for every surface, and for interior walls it is always the same three steps. Short answer: one coat of primer, two coats of National Stucco Filler, then two coats of emulsion. National’s Paint Systems Specifier lists it for concrete, plaster, cement, gypsum and wood. This guide walks through each step using National Paints’ own technical data sheets.
The system at a glance
| Step | National product | Coats |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prime | PVA Primer Sealer for Masonry, Acrylic Primer (W.B.), PVA Primer White for Masonry or Aqua Siloxane Primer | 1 |
| 2. Fill (interior only) | Stucco Filler | 2 |
| 3. Finish | Plastic Emulsion (interior only), Matt Emulsion, Eggshell Silky or Matt, Acryl Emulsion I or II, or Gloss Emulsion | 2 |
Step 1: prime the wall
The primer seals new plaster or concrete so the filler and paint grip evenly. National Acrylic Primer (W.B.) is one of the four options. Its data sheet describes a water-based, alkali-resistant primer for interior and exterior concrete and plaster, with antifungal and antibacterial additives. It covers about 10 to 12 m² per litre, is touch dry in 1 hour and can be recoated after 2 to 3 hours at 30°C. Thin it 10 to 15% with water. See our guide to when you need National Acrylic Primer.
Step 2: two coats of Stucco Filler
National Stucco Filler is a ready-to-use, PVA copolymer putty for interior concrete, plaster, masonry and wood. It is applied with a putty knife at about 100 microns dry per coat, covers about 6 m² per litre, and needs 6 to 8 hours before recoating. Two coats give the smooth base that shows through in the final finish. Our Stucco Filler guide covers the details, and our wall preparation guide explains what to do before priming.
Step 3: two coats of emulsion
The finish sets the look and how easily the wall can be cleaned. Three common choices, from National’s data sheets:
| Matt Emulsion | Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) | Eggshell Emulsion (Silky) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binder | PVA/acrylic copolymer | Acrylic copolymer | Acrylic copolymer |
| Finish | Smooth matt | Matt eggshell | Silky eggshell |
| Spreading rate | 8.5 to 10.5 m²/L | 8 to 10 m²/L | 9.5 to 12 m²/L |
| Volume solids | 42 ± 2% | 40 ± 2% | 48 ± 2% |
| Recoat at 30°C | 2 to 4 hours | 2 to 4 hours | 2 to 4 hours |
| Use | Interior and exterior | Interior and exterior | Interior and exterior |
All three contain antifungal and antibacterial additives, are thinned 5 to 10% with water, and are tinted to the National Shade Card. The eggshell grades add washability; see Matt Emulsion vs Eggshell Emulsion for how to choose, and our paint finish guide for sheen in general.
How much to buy
For 100 m² of wall, by our calculation from National’s spreading rates: about 8 to 10 L of Acrylic Primer for one coat, about 33 L of Stucco Filler for two coats, and about 20 to 25 L of Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) for two coats. Real coverage is lower on rough or porous walls, so allow extra. Our paint calculator guide explains the method.
Kitchens, bathrooms and textured walls
National specifies different systems for wet areas and textured finishes, such as Acrylic Rock over Nutex texture. See National Paints systems for bathrooms and kitchens and National Tex textured coatings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip the Stucco Filler?
National lists the filler for interior walls only, as part of the smooth-finish system. On an already smooth, sound wall, a repaint usually needs only spot filling, but follow your specification on new work.
Can the same emulsion go outside?
Matt Emulsion and both Eggshell grades are listed for interior and exterior use. Plastic Emulsion is interior only.
Buying National Paints in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer. Shop Eggshell Emulsion Matt 18 L, Eggshell Emulsion Matt 0.9 L and Acrylic Primer 3.6 L, or message us on WhatsApp with your colour and wall area.
Sources
- National Paints: Paint Systems Specifier (PDF, via AEC Online)
- National Acrylic Primer (W.B.) data sheet (PDF)
- National Stucco Filler data sheet (PDF)
- National Matt Emulsion data sheet (PDF)
- National Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) data sheet (PDF)
- National Eggshell Emulsion (Silky) data sheet (PDF)
Retrieved 3 November 2026. National Paints may change its data without notice; check the latest data sheet before specifying. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
