National Aluminium Paint is the silver coating you see on exhaust pipes, poles and tanks. Short answer: it is a glossy aluminium paint made with microflake pigment in a synthetic binder, heat resistant up to 250°C, for primed metal and wood. It covers about 16 m² per litre at 25 microns and needs no thinning. This guide summarises National Paints’ technical data sheet.
Key facts
| Type | Microflake aluminium pigment in a special synthetic binder |
| Finish | Glossy aluminium |
| Heat resistance | Up to 250°C |
| Volume solids | 40 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 16 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 25 microns dry, 60 microns wet |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 1 to 2 hours; recoat 8 hours; hard dry 24 hours |
| Thinning | Ready for use; clean with National G.P. Thinner |
| Application | Brush, conventional spray or airless spray |
| Flash point | 32°C |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Where to use it
National lists electrical poles, exhaust pipes, radiators, iron towers and pipes, plus use as a protective and decorative topcoat on primed metal and wood. The data sheet credits it with maximum brightness and reflectance.
The system
Apply to a dry, dust-free surface. National’s recommended system on steel is one coat of National Red Oxide Primer at 40 microns, then two coats of Aluminium Paint at 25 microns each. For more on steel, see our guide to painting steel with National Paints and to protecting metal gates and railings.
How much to buy
| Area | Two coats at 16 m²/L | Packs |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m² (railings, pipes) | About 0.6 L | One 0.9 L can |
| 25 m² | About 3.1 L | One 3.6 L gallon |
| 120 m² | 15 L | One 18 L drum |
Frequently asked questions
Can it go on a hot surface above 250°C?
No. National rates it to 250°C. Above that, ask for a high-temperature coating specification.
Do I need to thin it?
The data sheet says it is ready for use. National G.P. Thinner is listed as the thinner and cleaner. See which National thinner to use.
Aluminium Paint or a metallic lacquer?
| Aluminium Paint | N.C. Metallic | N.C. Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Glossy silver | Metallic gloss, special shades | Gold metallic gloss |
| Heat resistance | Up to 250°C | Not stated | Not stated |
| m² per litre | 16 | 10 to 15 | 10 to 15 |
| Application | Brush or spray | Spray only | Spray only |
| Thinner | G.P. Thinner (cleaning) | Lacquer Thinner | Lacquer Thinner |
Step 1: prepare the metal
- Steel: National’s surface preparation guide says degrease first, then remove rust and mill scale: blast to Sa 2.5, or hand/power tool clean to St 2. Prime with a steel primer such as Red Oxide or Zinc Phosphate.
- Galvanised or aluminium: degrease, sand with abrasive paper and solvent, then use an etch primer. See painting galvanised metal.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 40 × 10 ÷ 25 = 16 m² per litre, matching the sheet. Wet film = 25 ÷ 0.40 ≈ 63 microns, matching its 60. It is a thin film, so it relies on the primer underneath for protection.
| Area | 1 coat | 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 20 m² (pipe run or railing) | about 1.25 L | about 2.5 L |
| 50 m² | about 3.1 L | about 6.3 L |
| 100 m² | about 6.3 L | about 12.5 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Painting over rust. Clean to St 2 at least.
- Recoating early. Wait 8 hours at 30°C.
- Using it above 250°C, its listed limit.
Buy National Aluminium Paint in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer. Shop the 0.9 L can, 3.6 L gallon or 18 L drum, or message us on WhatsApp.
Sources
- National Aluminium Paint data sheet (PDF, via AEC Online)
- National Paints surface preparation guide, Sec. A-2 (PDF)
Retrieved 3 November 2026. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
