Short answer: National Synthetic Varnish is a clear, alkyd-based varnish in gloss or matt for decorative wood: panelling, doors, windows, floors and furniture. National describes a flexible, long-lasting finish with good flow and levelling. Apply two coats at 25 to 30 microns dry each, recoating after 6 to 8 hours at 30°C. Gloss covers 12 to 14 m² per litre; matt covers 14 to 17.
Gloss or matt?
| Gloss | Matt | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume solids | 36 ± 2% | 43 ± 2% |
| m² per litre | 12 to 14 | 14 to 17 |
| Wet film per coat | 70 to 85 µm | 55 to 70 µm |
| Dry film per coat | 25 to 30 microns | |
| Drying at 30°C | Touch dry 4 hours; recoat 6 to 8 hours; hard dry 24 hours | |
| Application | Brush, roller or spray (airless 2200 psi, tip 0.015 to 0.020 inch) | |
| Thinning | 5 to 15% with National G.P. Thinner | |
| Flash point | 38°C | |
| Shelf life | 18 months, sealed | |
Matt has more solids, so it goes further per litre for the same dry film. Gloss is the version National lists over Wood Stain.
Varnish or N.C. lacquer?
Synthetic Varnish is a brush-friendly alkyd finish for joinery and floors. For spray-finished furniture, National’s nitrocellulose route is N.C. Sanding Sealer followed by N.C. Lacquer Clear.
Step 1: prepare the wood
- Make sure the wood is dry, as National’s surface preparation guide requires.
- Rub down with glass paper along the grain; remove dust.
- Stain first if you want colour, and let it dry before varnishing.
Step 2: the system
- Optional: Wood Stain × 2.
- Synthetic Varnish × 2, 6 to 8 hours apart. A light sand between coats helps.
What the numbers mean
Gloss: 36 × 10 ÷ 30 = 12 and ÷ 25 ≈ 14.4 m² per litre. Matt: 43 × 10 ÷ 30 ≈ 14.3 and ÷ 25 ≈ 17.2. Both match the sheet.
How much to buy
| Area | Gloss, 2 coats | Matt, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 20 m² (about four door leaves, both sides) | about 2.9 to 3.3 L | about 2.4 to 2.9 L |
| 50 m² | about 7.1 to 8.3 L | about 5.9 to 7.1 L |
| 100 m² | about 14.3 to 16.7 L | about 11.8 to 14.3 L |
Mistakes to avoid
- Varnishing over damp or dusty wood.
- Heavy coats. Stay near 25 to 30 microns dry per coat.
- Walking on floors too soon. Hard dry is 24 hours at 30°C.
Frequently asked questions
Can I varnish over stain?
Yes. National’s Wood Stain system lists one or two optional coats of Synthetic Varnish (Gloss) on top.
Is it suitable for floors?
The data sheet lists floors among its uses. 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 for gloss or matt.
Sources
- National Synthetic Varnish 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.
