Doors, frames and joinery need a different system from walls. Short answer: National Paints’ specifier gives opaque systems (alkyd enamel, or NC lacquer topcoat) and clear or stained systems (synthetic varnish, wood stain, NC lacquer clear, and polyurethane clear). Pick by the look you want and how the piece will be used; each system is listed below.
Painted (opaque) finishes
| System | Coats |
|---|---|
| Alkyd, doors and frames | National Wood Primer (1), National Stucco Filler (2), National Synthetic Undercoat (1), then National Synthetic Enamel gloss/semi-gloss/matt (2) or National Flat/Matt Synthetic Enamel (2) |
| NC lacquer, pigmented | National N.C. Primer Surfacer (1 to 2), National N.C. Putty (2), National N.C. Primer Surfacer (1), National N.C. Lacquer Topcoat (2), National N.C. Lacquer Clear (1 to 2) |
Clear and stained finishes
| System | Coats |
|---|---|
| Alkyd varnish | National Synthetic Varnish, gloss or matt: 1 diluted coat, then 1 to 2 coats |
| Wood stain (alkyd/oil) | National Wood Stain (2), on its own or followed by National Synthetic Varnish (1 to 2) |
| NC wood stain | National N.C. Wood Stain (2 to 3), National N.C. Sealer as required (1 to 2), National N.C. Lacquer Clear gloss/matt (2) |
| NC lacquer, clear | National N.C. Sanding Sealer (2 to 3), National N.C. Lacquer Clear (2) |
| Nationalthane clear (polyurethane) | National Polyurethane Sanding Sealer (2 to 3), National Polyurethane Wood Clear (2) |
Picking a system
- Painted doors and frames: the alkyd system is the one the specifier lists for doors and frames, including in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Show the grain: choose varnish, wood stain, NC clear or polyurethane clear.
- Polyurethane: Nationalthane is also listed for wood on its own data sheet; see the Nationalthane guide.
The specifier does not give film thickness for wood systems. Ask for each product’s data sheet for drying times and thinner.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Stucco Filler in a wood system?
National’s specifier includes two coats of Stucco Filler after the wood primer in its doors and frames system, to give a smooth base before undercoat. See our Stucco Filler guide.
Buy in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer. Message us on WhatsApp for wood primer, enamel, varnish, stain or NC products. Also see which thinner to use.
Sources
- National Paints systems specifier (PDF, via AEC Online)
- Nationalthane Topcoat data sheet (PDF, via AEC Online)
Retrieved 3 November 2026. The main image is illustrative.
