Short answer: National Shield Fine Silk is a pure acrylic fine texture with quartz aggregate. Prime with Acrylic Primer (W.B.), then roll or spray one or two coats. It covers about 2 m² per litre at 200 microns dry, touch dries in 2 to 3 hours and recoats in 4 to 6 hours. For extra protection, overcoat with Nationalthane or Acrylic Rock.
The three Shield silk textures
| Fine Silk | Ultra Silk | Tex Silk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume solids | 47% | 49% | 49% |
| Dry film per coat | 200 µm | 150 to 500 µm | 200 µm |
| m² per litre | About 2 | 1 to 3 | About 2.5 |
| Application | Roller or spray | Roller | Roller or spray |
Key facts
| Type | Pure acrylic fine texture with quartz |
| Volume solids | 47% |
| Specific gravity | 1.34 |
| Spreading rate | About 2 m² per litre (theoretical) |
| Film per coat | 200 microns dry (425 wet) |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 2 to 3 hours; recoat 4 to 6 hours |
| Application | Roller or spray |
Step 1: prepare the wall
- Clean, dry and sound. National’s surface preparation guide calls for high-pressure water (2200 psi minimum) on exteriors.
- Remove laitance, efflorescence, grease and loose paint. New concrete can reach pH 13, which is why the system starts with an alkali-resistant primer.
- Fill cracks with Joint Filler. A fine texture hides less than a heavy one.
Step 2: the system
- Primer, one coat: Acrylic Primer (W.B.).
- Shield Fine Silk, one or two coats, 4 to 6 hours apart.
- Optional topcoat: Nationalthane or Acrylic Rock.
What the numbers mean
Coverage = volume solids × 10 ÷ dry film: 47 × 10 ÷ 200 ≈ 2.35 m² per litre, which the sheet rounds to about 2. Wet film = 200 ÷ 0.47 ≈ 425 microns, matching the sheet. Check the wet film with a gauge as you go.
How much to buy
| Wall area | 1 coat (2 m²/L) | 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 50 m² | about 25 L | about 50 L |
| 150 m² (boundary wall, both faces) | about 75 L | about 150 L |
| 400 m² (villa) | about 200 L | about 400 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping the primer. The data sheet lists Acrylic Primer (W.B.).
- Stopping mid-wall. Finish each elevation to a corner or joint so the texture reads evenly.
- Recoating early. Wait at least 4 hours at 30°C.
Frequently asked questions
One coat or two?
The sheet allows one or two. Two coats give a fuller, more even texture; budget double the litres.
Which texture is right for my wall?
See National textures compared, or send us a photo on WhatsApp.
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 wall area.
Sources
- National Shield Fine Silk 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.
