Short answer: National Diffatex is a water-based acrylic copolymer texture with hard quartz aggregate, giving a matt, medium texture on interior and exterior walls. National describes it as a protective texture formulated for Gulf climate conditions. Prime with PVA Primer Sealer, Acrylic Primer (W.B.) or Tex Primer, then brush, roll or spray one coat. It covers about 2.5 m² per litre and recoats in 4 to 6 hours at 30°C.
Diffatex or another medium texture?
| Diffatex | Swiss Sandtex | Shield Tex Silk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin | Acrylic copolymer | Copolymer | Pure acrylic |
| Aggregate | Hard quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Finish | Matt, medium | Matt, medium | Fine texture, silk |
| m² per litre | About 2.5 | About 2 | About 2.5 |
| Recoat (30°C) | 4 to 6 h | 6 to 8 h | 4 to 6 h |
| Primer | PVA Sealer, Acrylic or Tex Primer | PVA Sealer, Acrylic or Tex Primer | Acrylic Primer only |
Key facts
| Type | Water-based acrylic copolymer texture with hard quartz aggregate |
| Where | Interior and exterior |
| Finish and colours | Matt, medium texture; shade card |
| Volume solids | 66 ± 2% |
| Specific gravity | 1.75 ± 0.05 |
| Spreading rate | About 2.5 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film thickness | Depends on texture and surface |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 2 to 3 hours; recoat 4 to 6 hours |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray |
| Thinning | Ready to use; up to 5% water if needed |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wall
- High-pressure wash exteriors (2200 psi minimum) to remove dust and salts, then let them dry, as National’s surface preparation guide sets out.
- Remove laitance and efflorescence; brush off loose material.
- Fill cracks with Joint Filler; seal open blocks with Block Filler.
Step 2: the system
- Primer, one coat: PVA Primer Sealer, Acrylic Primer (W.B.) or Tex Primer.
- Diffatex, one coat.
How much to buy
| Wall area | Diffatex, 1 coat | Tex Primer, 1 coat |
|---|---|---|
| 50 m² | about 20 L | about 5.3 L |
| 150 m² (boundary wall, both faces) | about 60 L | about 16 L |
| 400 m² (villa) | about 160 L | about 42 L |
Frequently asked questions
Does it need a topcoat?
National’s listed system is primer plus one coat of Diffatex. For extra sheen or protection, ask us about Nationalthane or Acrylic Rock.
What does “formulated for Gulf conditions” mean?
That is National’s own description; the data sheet does not give heat or UV test figures. See National textures for the full range.
Buy in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer in Bu-Tina, Sharjah. Message us on WhatsApp with your shade and wall area.
Sources
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Quantities and weights are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
