Short answer: National Matt Emulsion is a water-based PVA/acrylic copolymer emulsion with a smooth matt finish for interior and exterior concrete, plaster, masonry, blockwork, gypsum and wood. National describes it as alkali resistant, washable, with good hiding power and light and weather resistance. Prime with PVA Primer Sealer or PVA Primer White, add two coats of Stucco Filler indoors, then apply two coats of Matt Emulsion. It covers about 8.5 to 10.5 m² per litre and recoats in 2 to 4 hours at 30°C.
Where Matt Emulsion sits in National’s range
National makes several matt and low-sheen wall emulsions. Matt Emulsion is the mid-range option that works both inside and out:
| Emulsion | Resin | Where | m² per litre | Primer in system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt | PVA/acrylic | Inside and out | 8.5 to 10.5 | PVA Primer Sealer or White |
| Super Matt | Acrylic | Inside and out | 8.5 to 10.5 | Acrylic Primer (W.B.) |
| Nice | Vinyl-acrylic | Inside and out | 8 to 10 | PVA Primer Sealer or White |
| Acryl II | Acrylic | Inside and out | 8.5 to 10.5 | PVA Primer Sealer or White |
| Plastic | PVA | Interior | 7.5 to 9.5 | PVA Primer Sealer or White |
Key facts
| Type | Water-based PVA/acrylic copolymer emulsion |
| Surfaces | Concrete, plaster, masonry, brickwork, gypsum, wood (the sheet also lists asbestos) |
| Where | Interior and exterior |
| Finish and colours | Smooth matt; National shade card |
| Volume solids | 42 ± 2% |
| Specific gravity | 1.50 ± 0.05 |
| Spreading rate | 8.5 to 10.5 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 40 to 50 microns dry (95 to 120 wet) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 1 hour; recoat 2 to 4 hours |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray (airless 2000 to 2500 psi, tip 0.018 to 0.021 inch; air 40 to 50 psi) |
| Thinning | 5 to 10% with water |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wall
National’s surface preparation guide asks for a surface that is clean, dry, sound and free from contaminants. For concrete, plaster and cement it lists:
- Clean: high-pressure water at a minimum of 2200 psi on exteriors; stiff brushes for loose material and dust; detergent where there is grease.
- Remove laitance, the thin layer of surplus cement and water that rises as concrete sets, because it severely reduces adhesion.
- Remove efflorescence (white salty stains), which comes from moisture moving through the wall.
- Respect the alkali. Fresh concrete can reach pH 13, so coatings must be alkali resistant. Matt Emulsion’s data sheet describes it as alkali resistant, and the system starts with a masonry primer.
- Smooth surfaces may need roughening or acid etching for adhesion.
Fill cracks first with Joint Filler (gaps up to 1 cm) and seal open blockwork with Block Filler.
Step 2: the system
| Coat | Interior | Exterior |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | PVA Primer Sealer or PVA Primer White × 1 | PVA Primer Sealer or PVA Primer White × 1 |
| Filler | Stucco Filler × 2 | Not used (interior only) |
| Finish | Matt Emulsion × 2 | Matt Emulsion × 2 |
What the numbers mean
Coverage = volume solids × 10 ÷ dry film: 420 ÷ 40 = 10.5 and 420 ÷ 50 = 8.4 m² per litre, matching the sheet. A 45-micron coat needs about 107 microns wet (45 ÷ 0.42). Thinning 10% adds liquid but no solids, so it spreads further per litre of mix but needs a heavier wet coat for the same dry film.
How much to buy
| Job | Approx. wall area | Matt Emulsion, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom 4 × 4 m, 3 m high (walls only) | about 45 m² after openings | 8.6 to 10.6 L |
| Two-bedroom flat (walls) | about 200 m² | 38 to 47 L |
| Villa exterior | about 400 m² | 76 to 94 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Painting over laitance or efflorescence. National’s guide singles both out as adhesion killers.
- Over-thinning. The sheet allows 5 to 10% water; more thins the film and hiding.
- Using Stucco Filler outside. National’s system uses it for interiors only.
- Recoating too soon. Wait at least 2 hours at 30°C; longer in humid weather.
Frequently asked questions
Matt or Eggshell?
Matt is flat; Eggshell has a low sheen. See Matt vs Eggshell Emulsion.
Can I use it in bathrooms?
National’s specifier uses Matt Emulsion as a base under Acrylic Rock Topcoat for bathrooms and kitchens. See bathroom and kitchen wall systems.
Buy in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer in Bu-Tina, Sharjah, with colour mixing. Message us on WhatsApp with your shade and wall area.
Sources
- National Matt Emulsion data sheet (PDF)
- National Paints surface preparation guide, Sec. A-2 (PDF)
- National Paints systems specifier (PDF)
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
