Short answer: National N.C. Auto Lacquer Topcoat is a nitrocellulose and alkyd finish coat for automobiles and furniture, in gloss or matt and National shade-card colours. It is touch dry in 15 to 30 minutes, recoats in 3 to 4 hours and can be polished after 8 to 15 hours at 30°C. Thin 15 to 20% with National Lacquer Thinner. Apply two coats, or one coat plus N.C. Auto Lacquer Clear.
Which N.C. finish coat?
| Topcoat | Clear | Metallic | Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Solid colour, gloss or matt | Clear, gloss or matt | Metallic gloss | Gold metallic gloss |
| m² per litre | 10.5 to 16 (gloss), 12 to 18 (matt) | 10.5 to 16 | 10 to 15 | 10 to 15 |
| Thinning | 15 to 20% | 15 to 20% | 20 to 30% | 20 to 30% |
| Shelf life | 18 months | 18 months | 6 months | 6 months |
Key facts
| Glossy | Matt | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume solids | 32 ± 2% | 36 ± 2% |
| m² per litre | 10.5 to 16 | 12 to 18 |
| Wet film per coat | 60 to 95 µm | 55 to 80 µm |
| Dry film per coat | 20 to 30 microns | |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch 15 to 30 min; recoat 3 to 4 h; polishable 8 to 15 h | |
| Application | Spray (airless 2000 to 2200 psi, tip 0.017 to 0.019 inch; air 50 psi), brush or roller | |
| Thinning | 15 to 20% with National Lacquer Thinner | |
| Flash point | 7°C | |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed | |
Step 1: prepare
- Steel and car panels: degrease, then remove rust to Sa 2.5 or St 2, per National’s surface preparation guide.
- Wood: dry, rubbed down with glass paper and dusted.
- Build and level with primer surfacer and putty before the topcoat (below).
Step 2: the N.C. system
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Putty or Polyester Putty, one coat, sanded.
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Auto Lacquer Topcoat, two coats (or topcoat plus Clear).
What the numbers mean
Gloss: 32 × 10 ÷ 30 ≈ 10.7 and ÷ 20 = 16 m² per litre. Matt: 36 × 10 ÷ 30 = 12 and ÷ 20 = 18. These are per litre of unthinned paint. The 15 to 20% thinner adds volume but not film.
How much to buy
| Area | Gloss, 2 coats | Matt, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 10 m² (panels or a cabinet) | about 1.25 to 1.9 L | about 1.1 to 1.7 L |
| 25 m² | about 3.1 to 4.7 L | about 2.8 to 4.2 L |
| 50 m² (kitchen run) | about 6.3 to 9.5 L | about 5.6 to 8.3 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Polishing too early. Wait 8 to 15 hours at 30°C.
- Using G.P. Thinner. Use National Lacquer Thinner.
- Spraying without ventilation. The flash point is 7°C; use a ventilated booth away from ignition sources.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush it?
The sheet lists spray, brush or roller. Spray gives the most even finish on panels.
Do I need a clear coat?
It is optional for solid colours: two topcoats, or one topcoat plus Clear. Metallic and Gold systems always end with Clear.
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 add Lacquer Thinner.
Sources
- National N.C. Auto Lacquer Topcoat data sheet (PDF)
- National Paints surface preparation guide, Sec. A-2 (PDF)
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Quantities are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
