Short answer: National Auto Lacquer N.C. Metallic is a glossy, nitrocellulose-based metallic finish for automotive and furniture work, with special shades on request. Spray it, thinned 20 to 30% with National Lacquer Thinner. Apply two coats over N.C. Primer Surfacer, then one coat of N.C. Auto Lacquer Clear. It covers 10 to 15 m² per litre. Shelf life is only 6 months, so buy close to the job.
Metallic, Gold or solid Topcoat?
| N.C. Metallic | N.C. Gold | N.C. Topcoat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Metallic gloss, special shades | Gold metallic gloss | Solid colour, gloss or matt |
| Application | Spray only | Spray only | Spray, brush or roller |
| Clear coat | Required (1 coat) | Required (1 coat) | Optional |
| Shelf life | 6 months | 6 months | 18 months |
Key facts
| Type | Nitrocellulose metallic lacquer, single pack |
| Uses | Automotive and furniture finishing |
| Finish and colours | Glossy; metallic, special shades on request |
| Volume solids | 30 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 10 to 15 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 20 to 30 microns dry (65 to 100 wet) |
| 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 0.013 to 0.020 inch; air 60 psi) |
| Thinning | 20 to 30% with National Lacquer Thinner |
| Flash point | 7°C |
| Shelf life | 6 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 furniture: dry, rubbed down with glass paper and dusted.
Step 2: the system
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Putty or Polyester Putty, one coat, sanded.
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Metallic, two coats.
- N.C. Auto Lacquer Clear, one coat.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 30 × 10 ÷ 30 = 10 and 30 × 10 ÷ 20 = 15 m² per litre. Metallic needs heavier thinning (20 to 30%) than the solid topcoat, so you will use more thinner per litre of paint.
How much to buy
| Area | Metallic, 2 coats | Clear, 1 coat |
|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | about 1.3 to 2 L | about 0.6 to 0.95 L |
| 25 m² | about 3.3 to 5 L | about 1.6 to 2.4 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the clear coat. The listed system ends with one.
- Mixing batches from different tins on one panel. Box the tins together first.
- Overstocking. Shelf life is 6 months, sealed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a special shade?
The data sheet says special shades are available on request. Send us the shade and we will check.
Can I brush it?
No, the sheet lists spray only. For a brushable N.C. finish, see N.C. Topcoat.
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.
Sources
- National Auto Lacquer N.C. Metallic 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.
