How to Properly Apply High Gloss Paint to Walls

Painting your walls properly with high gloss paint is not a herculean task if you know your basics. High gloss refers to increased reflectivity of the paint. Painting walls with high gloss paint makes them stand out with the extra shine they provide. High gloss paints are ideal for doors, trim, and window frames, as they can highlight their presence and are quite easy to clean when compared with any other type of paints. Usually high gloss paints are not recommended for walls. However, if you have decided to go for it, make sure you do it the right way.

Precautions

If you are painting your entire wall with high gloss paint, make sure it’s free of any dents, holes, divots, or patchworks. This is because the high sheen of these paints accents dents and divots in the surface.

Step 1 - Prepare the Surface

Use your paint scraper to get rid of any loose paint. Once this is done, use your steel wool and run it over the wall to make the surface smooth. This will help the new paint stick to the wall. Finally, dampen the sponge and wipe it on the wall. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Step 2 - Border the Area

Use your painter’s tape and tape the borders of the area that is to be painted. This will help in focusing on the area to be painted.

Step 3 - Mix the Paint

Open the paint container and mix the contents thoroughly with the paint stick. If some paint is stuck to the bottom of the container, make sure it is mixed with the rest of the paint too.

Step 4 - Paint the Surface

Dip the brush into the container halfway. Take it out and let it drain for a while. Begin to paint the surface from the top. Make sure you don’t shake the brush just before painting so that you will have the advantage of plenty of paint to work on.

Step 5 - Spread

Paint from top to bottom in lengthwise contours. Finish the work section wise moving to the next once a section is done. Redip the brush into the paint as needed. Once each section is completed, make sure the previous section is perfect without any drips. If there are any, make sure they are taken care of before proceeding to the next section.

Step 6 - Add a Second Coat

Allow the first coat to dry overnight. Use longer strips and a thinner coat while painting the second coat. Let it dry completely.

Step 7 - Finish

The final step is to remove the painter’s tape. Gently run your razor knife along the line where the tape meets the painted surface and pull it away with care.