Steel in the UAE rusts quickly if the paint system is too thin or the coats are mixed up. Short answer: National Paints’ specifier gives three systems for structural steel. Two are alkyd systems to BS 5493 (165 to 190 microns for clean air, 190 to 230 microns for polluted air), and one is an epoxy system of 300 to 350 microns. Each is listed below coat by coat.
System 1: alkyd, clean air (BS 5493 SF7)
| Coat | Product | Dry film per coat |
|---|---|---|
| 2 coats | National Red Oxide Primer | 35 µm |
| 2 coats | National Synthetic Undercoat | 35 to 40 µm |
| 1 coat | National Synthetic Enamel Gloss I or II | 25 to 40 µm |
| Total | 165 to 190 µm | |
System 2: alkyd, polluted air (BS 5493 SF8)
| Coat | Product | Dry film per coat |
|---|---|---|
| 2 coats | National Red Oxide Primer | 35 µm |
| 2 coats | National Synthetic Undercoat | 35 to 40 µm |
| 2 coats | National Synthetic Enamel Gloss I or II | 25 to 40 µm |
| Total | 190 to 230 µm | |
System 3: epoxy
| Coat | Product | Dry film per coat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coat | National Epoxy Red Oxide Primer, or National Zinc Phosphate Epoxy Primer | 50 µm |
| 2 coats | National Guard Undercoat H.B. | 100 to 125 µm |
| 1 coat | National Guard Topcoat | 50 µm |
| Total | 300 to 350 µm | |
Which one to pick
- Clean inland air: System 1 is National’s lightest steel system.
- Polluted air: System 2 adds a second enamel coat.
- Thickest film: System 3 (epoxy) gives 300 to 350 µm in four coats. Where colour stability matters, National suggests a polyurethane topcoat.
For a project specification, ask National Paints or your consultant to confirm the system for the exact exposure. Galvanised steel needs a different primer; see painting galvanised metal. For pipes, tanks and roofs, see National Aluminium Paint.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check the film thickness?
Use a wet film comb during painting and a dry film gauge after. The totals above are dry film thickness.
Which thinner goes with which product?
Check each product’s data sheet. Our thinner guide covers the products we have sheets for.
Buy National steel paints in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer. Send us your steel area on WhatsApp for a quote, or shop National Aluminium Paint 18 L.
Sources
Retrieved 3 November 2026. The main image is illustrative.
