Short answer: National N.C. Wood Filler is a fast-drying filler based on nitrocellulose, alkyd resins and extenders. It fills the open grain of hardwood and MDF to give a smooth base for lacquer. Apply it with a glazing knife. It is touch dry in 20 to 30 minutes, recoats in 3 to 4 hours at 30°C and covers 7.5 to 10 m² per litre. Colours are white, grey, red and brown.
Wood Filler or N.C. Putty?
| N.C. Wood Filler | N.C. Putty | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Fill grain over a whole surface | Spot glazing of marks |
| Surfaces | Hardwood and MDF | Wood and steel |
| Volume solids | 30% | 38% |
| Film per coat | 30 to 40 µm | 40 to 50 µm |
| Touch dry (30°C) | 20 to 30 min | 30 to 60 min |
Key facts
| Type | Nitrocellulose-alkyd wood filler, single pack |
| Surfaces | Hardwood and MDF |
| Finish and colours | Matt; white, grey, red, brown |
| Volume solids | 30 ± 2% |
| Spreading rate | 7.5 to 10 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 30 to 40 microns dry (100 to 135 wet) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 20 to 30 minutes; recoat 3 to 4 hours; hard dry 4 to 5 hours |
| Application | Glazing knife; ready to use |
| Thinner | National Lacquer Thinner |
| Flash point | 7°C |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wood
- Make sure the wood is dry, as National’s surface preparation guide requires.
- Rub down with glass paper and dust off.
- Apply two coats of N.C. Sanding Sealer first.
Step 2: the system
- N.C. Sanding Sealer, two coats.
- N.C. Wood Filler, one coat, knifed across the grain and sanded.
- N.C. Auto Lacquer Clear, two coats.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 30 × 10 ÷ 30 = 10 and 30 × 10 ÷ 40 = 7.5 m² per litre. Deep, open grain takes more filler than the theory allows, so lean towards the lower figure on oak-type timbers.
How much to buy
| Area | Wood Filler, 1 coat | Sanding Sealer, 2 coats | N.C. Clear, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | about 1 to 1.3 L | about 2 L | see its data sheet |
| 25 m² | about 2.5 to 3.3 L | about 5 L | see its data sheet |
Mistakes to avoid
- Filling bare wood. The listed system puts sealer down first.
- Choosing a colour far from the wood. Under clear lacquer, the filler colour shows in the grain.
- Working near ignition sources. The flash point is 7°C.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need it on every wood?
No. The sealer system marks it optional, for open-grain hardwood or MDF. Close-grained wood may only need the sealer.
Where can I compare wood finishes?
See all wood finishing systems.
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
- National N.C. Wood Filler 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.
