National Paints sells three common water-based wall emulsions, and they look alike in the can. Short answer: Matt Emulsion is a PVA/acrylic copolymer for a smooth matt finish. Eggshell Emulsion uses an acrylic copolymer and adds washability, in a Matt or Silky finish. Silky has the highest solids and the widest coverage. All three are listed for interior and exterior walls. This guide compares National’s technical data sheets.
Side by side
| Matt Emulsion | Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) | Eggshell Emulsion (Silky) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binder | PVA/acrylic copolymer | Acrylic copolymer, superfine | Acrylic copolymer, superfine |
| Finish | Smooth matt | Matt eggshell | Silky eggshell |
| Washability | Not highlighted | Stated | Stated |
| Volume solids | 42 ± 2% | 40 ± 2% | 48 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 8.5 to 10.5 m²/L | 8 to 10 m²/L | 9.5 to 12 m²/L |
| Dry film per coat | 40 to 50 microns | 40 to 50 microns | 40 to 50 microns |
| Recoat at 30°C | 2 to 4 hours | 2 to 4 hours | 2 to 4 hours |
| Thinning | 5 to 10% water | 5 to 10% water | 5 to 10% water |
All three are alkali resistant, contain antifungal and antibacterial additives, are tinted to the National Shade Card, and go on concrete, plaster, masonry, brickwork, gypsum, asbestos and wood.
Which to choose
- Matt Emulsion for ceilings, low-traffic rooms and large plain areas where a flat look is wanted.
- Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) for the same flat look with the washability National states, suited to living areas and corridors. See our Eggshell Emulsion Matt guide.
- Eggshell Emulsion (Silky) for a soft sheen and the widest coverage per litre.
For sheen levels across brands, see our matt vs satin vs semi-gloss guide.
The same system underneath
National specifies the same base for all three: one coat of PVA Primer Sealer or PVA Primer White, two coats of Stucco Filler indoors, then two coats of emulsion. See the interior wall system.
How much for a 3-bedroom apartment
For about 300 m² of walls, two coats need roughly 57 to 71 L of Matt Emulsion, 60 to 75 L of Eggshell Matt, or 50 to 63 L of Eggshell Silky. That is about three to five 18 L drums, by our calculation from National’s theoretical spreading rates.
Buy National emulsions in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer. Shop Eggshell Emulsion Matt 18 L, or message us on WhatsApp for Matt Emulsion and Eggshell Silky.
Sources
- National Matt Emulsion data sheet (PDF, via AEC Online)
- National Eggshell Emulsion (Matt) data sheet (PDF)
- National Eggshell Emulsion (Silky) data sheet (PDF)
Retrieved 3 November 2026. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
