Short answer: National Plastic Emulsion is a water-based PVA copolymer emulsion with a smooth matt finish, listed by National as its low-cost interior emulsion. It is for interior concrete, plaster, masonry, blockwork, gypsum and wood. National’s system is one coat of PVA Primer Sealer or PVA Primer White, two coats of Stucco Filler, then two coats of Plastic Emulsion. It covers about 7.5 to 9.5 m² per litre, recoats in 2 to 4 hours at 30°C, and thins 10 to 15% with water.
When Plastic Emulsion is the right choice
It suits indoor jobs where cost matters most: rental units, staff accommodation, store rooms, ceilings and new-build interiors that will be repainted on handover. Its data sheet lists interior surfaces only, and its lower solids mean slightly less coverage per litre than National’s mid-range emulsions:
| Emulsion | Where | Volume solids | m² per litre | Thinning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Interior | 38% | 7.5 to 9.5 | 10 to 15% |
| Acrylic Super | Interior | 38% | 7.5 to 9.5 | 10 to 15% |
| Acryl I | Interior | 38% | 7.5 to 9.5 | 10 to 15% |
| Matt | Inside and out | 42% | 8.5 to 10.5 | 5 to 10% |
Key facts
| Type | Water-based PVA copolymer emulsion |
| Surfaces | Interior concrete, plaster, masonry, brickwork, gypsum, wood |
| Finish and colours | Smooth matt; National shade card |
| Volume solids | 38 ± 2% |
| Specific gravity | 1.50 ± 0.05 |
| Spreading rate | 7.5 to 9.5 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 40 to 50 microns dry (105 to 130 wet) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 1 hour; recoat 2 to 4 hours |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray (airless 2000 to 2500 psi, tip 0.018 to 0.021 inch) |
| Thinning | 10 to 15% with water |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wall
- Make the wall clean, dry and sound; brush off dust and loose material.
- On new plaster and concrete, remove laitance and efflorescence, which National’s guide says weaken adhesion.
- Fill cracks with Joint Filler before priming.
Step 2: the system
- PVA Primer Sealer (clear) or PVA Primer White, one coat.
- Stucco Filler, two coats, sanded smooth.
- Plastic Emulsion, two coats, 2 to 4 hours apart.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = 380 ÷ 40 = 9.5 and 380 ÷ 50 = 7.6 m² per litre. Wet film for a 45-micron coat ≈ 118 microns (45 ÷ 0.38). Lower solids mean a thicker wet coat and a little more paint than a 42%-solids emulsion for the same result; cheaper per litre does not always mean cheaper per wall.
How much to buy
| Job | Area | Plastic Emulsion, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom walls 4 × 4 m, 3 m high | about 45 m² | 9.5 to 12 L |
| Same room’s ceiling | 16 m² | 3.4 to 4.3 L |
| Two-bedroom flat (walls) | about 200 m² | 42 to 53 L |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it outside?
The data sheet lists interior surfaces only. For outside walls, choose Matt, Nice, Super Matt or Acryl II.
Is it washable?
The sheet notes good brushability and recoatability but makes no washability claim. For walls that get wiped, Nice Emulsion is described as washable.
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 area for a quote.
Sources
- National Plastic Emulsion data sheet (PDF)
- National PVA Primer Sealer 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.
