Short answer: National N.C. Putty is a ready-to-use glazing putty based on nitrocellulose, alkyd resins and extenders, for automotive body filling and levelling wood, on wood and steel. Apply it with a glazing knife. It is touch dry in 30 to 60 minutes, recoats in 3 to 4 hours at 30°C and comes in white, grey, red and brown. Use it for thin glazing; for deep dents, use Polyester Putty.
Which National filler?
| N.C. Putty | Polyester Putty | N.C. Wood Filler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pack | Single | Two (98:2 by weight) | Single |
| Build per coat | 40 to 50 µm | 100 to 1000 µm | 30 to 40 µm |
| Best for | Fine glazing, small marks | Dents, deep repairs | Open grain over whole surfaces |
| Surfaces | Wood and steel | Wood and steel | Hardwood and MDF |
| Colours | White, grey, red, brown | Grey | White, grey, red, brown |
Key facts
| Type | Nitrocellulose-alkyd glazing putty, single pack |
| Uses | Automotive body filling; levelling wood; on wood and steel |
| Finish and colours | Matt; white, grey, red, brown |
| Volume solids | 38 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 7.5 to 9.5 m² per litre (theoretical, at 40 to 50 microns dry) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 30 to 60 minutes; recoat 3 to 4 hours; hard dry 4 to 5 hours |
| Application | Glazing knife; ready to use |
| Cleaning | National Lacquer Thinner |
| Flash point | 7°C |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare
- Steel: 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.
- Apply the first coat of N.C. Primer Surfacer before the putty.
Step 2: the system
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Putty, one coat, sanded smooth.
- N.C. Primer Surfacer, one coat.
- N.C. Auto Lacquer Topcoat, two coats.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 38 × 10 ÷ 40 = 9.5 and 38 × 10 ÷ 50 = 7.6 m² per litre, matching the sheet. That rate assumes a full skim; spot glazing uses far less, so most jobs need a small tin.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using it for deep dents. Its film is thin; use Polyester Putty.
- Sanding before it is hard. Hard dry is 4 to 5 hours at 30°C.
- Ignoring the flash point. At 7°C, keep it away from heat and flames.
Frequently asked questions
Which colour should I pick?
It comes in white, grey, red and brown. Pick the one closest to the primer or wood so it shows least under the next coat.
Does it need thinning?
No, it is ready to use. Clean tools with National Lacquer Thinner.
Buy in Sharjah and Dubai
Al Tashteb Al Saree is an authorised National Paints retailer in Bu-Tina, Sharjah. Message us on WhatsApp with the colour you need.
Sources
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Calculations are our own. The main image is illustrative.
