Short answer: National Swiss Sandtex is a water-based copolymer texture with quartz aggregate for interior and exterior plaster, masonry, blockwork, gypsum and wood. Its data sheet describes a matt, medium texture. Prime with PVA Primer Sealer, Acrylic Primer (W.B.) or Tex Primer, then brush, roll or spray one coat. It covers about 2 m² per litre and recoats in 6 to 8 hours at 30°C; any topcoat can follow after 24 hours.
Light or medium texture?
Swiss Sandtex’s own data sheet calls its finish “matt / medium textured”, while National’s systems specifier groups it with the light textures. In practice the texture you get depends on how it is applied. Ask us to show you a sample board, and compare it with its neighbours:
| Texture | Described as | Volume solids | m² per litre | Recoat (30°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Sandtex | Matt, medium | 66% | About 2 | 6 to 8 h |
| Minitex | Matt, light | 62% | About 3 | 6 to 8 h |
| Diffatex | Matt, medium | 66% | About 2.5 | 4 to 6 h |
| Tex | Matt, heavy | 66% | 1 to 2 | 6 to 8 h |
Key facts
| Type | Water-based copolymer emulsion with quartz aggregate |
| Surfaces | Plaster, masonry, brickwork, gypsum, wood; interior and exterior |
| Finish and colours | Matt, medium texture; National shade card |
| Volume solids | 66 ± 2% |
| Specific gravity | 1.75 ± 0.05 |
| Spreading rate | About 2 m² per litre, by texture and surface |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 2 to 3 hours; recoat 6 to 8 hours; topcoat after at least 24 hours |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray |
| Thinning | Ready to use; 5 to 10% water if needed |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed |
Step 1: prepare the wall
- Clean, dry and sound. High-pressure wash exteriors (2200 psi minimum) and brush off loose material, as National’s surface preparation guide requires.
- Remove laitance and efflorescence.
- Fill gaps with Joint Filler.
Step 2: the system
- Primer, one coat: PVA Primer Sealer, Acrylic Primer (W.B.) or Tex Primer.
- Swiss Sandtex, one coat.
- Optional topcoat after 24 hours, such as Nationalthane or Acrylic Rock.
How much to buy
| Wall area | Swiss Sandtex, 1 coat | Primer, 1 coat (Tex Primer) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 m² | about 25 L | about 5.3 L |
| 150 m² | about 75 L | about 16 L |
| 400 m² (villa) | about 200 L | about 42 L |
Frequently asked questions
Does it go on concrete?
The data sheet lists plaster, masonry, brickwork, gypsum and wood (and asbestos). Rendered concrete is plaster; for bare cast concrete, ask us first.
Can I spray it?
Yes: brush, roller or spray.
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 Swiss Sandtex data sheet (PDF)
- National Paints systems specifier (PDF)
- National Paints surface preparation guide, Sec. A-2 (PDF)
All via AEC Online, retrieved 4 November 2026. Quantities and weights are our own calculations. The main image is illustrative.
