How to Paint over High Gloss Paint

High gloss paint is a good choice for woodwork, trim, cabinetry and high traffic areas. It is resistant to wear and tear and is also easy to clean. However, when it is time to repaint, there are a few preparatory steps you must take. This is because a new coat of paint will not adhere to the high gloss finish unless you prepare it thoroughly.

Step 1 – Clean the High Gloss Surface

Protect the floor and nearby objects in the room with rag clothes. Keep the area around the painting surface free of obstructions so that you have plenty of space to work. Wear a face mask to avoid breathing in fumes. Gloves are essential to protect your hands and to keep paint away. Open windows so that you have good ventilation. Make a cleaning solution with mild detergent and water. Apply this solution on the walls and let it sit for some time. Wipe it off and repeat if necessary, so that the walls are completely free of dirt, dust and grease. You could also purchase a commercial pre-paint cleaner, which is specially formulated to clean walls.

Step 2 – Sand the Surface

Once the wall is clean and dry, you can begin to sand it. Sanding removes the glossiness from the walls and ensures good adhesion to the paint that follows. You can use sandpaper or a liquid deglosser, which makes the job quicker. Before sanding, it is important to ensure that all your surfaces have been painted with lead-free paint, because paint that contains lead is highly toxic and it pollutes your home if sanded. If you are unsure of the lead content in your old paint, contact a painting professional for advice.

Step 3 – Clean Out the Room

After you have completed cleaning and sanding the walls, you will be left with a collection of grime and dust. Wipe down the walls thoroughly to remove any remnants. Clean the floors with a vacuum cleaner and follow up with a mop. It is important to work in a clean room, because any billowing dust will mar your paint job.

Step 4 – Apply Primer and Paint

Primer that is specially formulated to go on top of glossy surfaces will give you the best results. Also ensure that the primer is suitable for latex paint, if that is your choice. First, apply masking tape on all the boundaries. Apply the primer with the paint roller or brush. If you are coloring over dark paint, you may need additional coatings to achieve the perfect painting surface. Ensure that the preceding coats are dry before you apply more primer. Once the primer is dry, you are ready to start painting. With the proper preparation, you can apply any type of paint over a high gloss surface.