Short answer: National Wood Stain is an alkyd/oil-based stain for doors, windows and furniture, inside and out. It is ready to use, dries glossy, covers about 14 to 17.5 m² per litre and recoats in 6 to 8 hours at 30°C. National’s system is two coats of stain, optionally finished with one or two coats of Synthetic Varnish (Gloss).
Stain, varnish or paint?
| Wood Stain | Synthetic Varnish | Wood Primer + enamel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Coloured, grain visible | Clear, grain visible | Opaque colour |
| Finish | Glossy | Gloss or matt | Gloss (enamel) |
| Coats | 2 (+ optional varnish) | 2 | 5 (primer, filler ×2, undercoat, enamel) |
| m² per litre | 14 to 17.5 | 12 to 17 | 14 to 18 (primer) |
Key facts
| Type | Alkyd/oil-based wood stain, single pack |
| Uses | Doors, windows, furniture; interior and exterior |
| Finish and colours | Glossy; National shade card |
| Volume solids | 35 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 14 to 17.5 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 20 to 25 microns dry (60 to 70 wet) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 4 hours; recoat 6 to 8 hours; hard dry 24 hours |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray; ready to use |
| Thinning | 10 to 15% National G.P. Thinner if needed |
| Flash point | 38°C |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wood
- Make sure the wood is dry, as National’s surface preparation guide requires.
- Rub down with glass paper along the grain and remove all dust.
- Remove old paint or varnish fully. A stain needs bare wood to show the grain.
Step 2: the system
- Wood Stain, two coats, 6 to 8 hours apart.
- Optional: Synthetic Varnish (Gloss), one or two coats.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 35 × 10 ÷ 20 = 17.5 m² per litre, and 35 × 10 ÷ 25 = 14. The stain’s low solids mean a thin film per coat, which is why the system calls for two.
How much to buy
| Area | Wood Stain, 2 coats |
|---|---|
| 20 m² (about four door leaves, both sides) | about 2.3 to 2.9 L |
| 50 m² | about 5.7 to 7.1 L |
| 100 m² | about 11.4 to 14.3 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Staining over old varnish. Strip back to bare wood first.
- Judging the shade from one coat. Colour deepens with the second; test on an offcut.
- Over-thinning. It is ready to use; thin 10 to 15% only if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it outside?
Yes, the sheet lists interior and exterior use. The optional varnish coats add a protective layer on top.
Stain or paint?
Stain keeps the wood visible. For an opaque painted finish, use Wood Primer and enamel. See all wood finishing systems.
Buy in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer in Bu-Tina, Sharjah. Message us on WhatsApp with the shade you need.
Sources
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
