
Painting over high-gloss paint can be a tedious task, but it is possible to achieve a clean and consistent finish without spending hours sanding. While some sources suggest that sanding is necessary to promote adhesion, others recommend using a good adhesion primer on a clean surface instead. If you do opt for sanding, it is important to use fine-grit sandpaper between 180 and 220-grit to avoid damaging the paint. After sanding, the surface should be cleaned with a mixture of soap, vinegar, and water to remove any remaining dust or dirt. Once the surface is dry, you can apply a high-quality bonding primer before painting your desired colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for sanding | Not necessary if a primer is used |
| Preferred type of primer | Bonding primer or adhesion primer |
| Cleaning the surface | Use a combination of mild soap and water or sugar soap |
| Number of primer coats | 1 or 2 coats, depending on whether painting light over dark |
| Sanding the primer | Optional |
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What You'll Learn

Using a primer
If you want to paint over high-gloss paint without sanding, using a primer is essential. A primer will help the new paint adhere to the surface and ensure that your future coating lasts.
Firstly, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly before applying any primer. This can be done by scrubbing the area with a combination of dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water, or using a detergent such as sugar soap, which is especially useful for removing grease. Be sure to wipe down the area and let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
When choosing a primer, it is recommended to use a good adhesion primer, especially if the surface is oil-based. If it's smooth and glass-like, it's likely oil-based. In this case, you may encounter adhesion problems with certain primers. A recommended primer for oil-based surfaces is Kilz, which does not require sanding between coats. Alternatively, you can use a bonding primer, but you may need multiple coats. If the surface is latex-based, most primers will be fine.
After applying the primer, you may need to wait a full day or more for it to dry before applying the first coat of paint. This timing may vary depending on the primer used and environmental factors.
While it is possible to paint over high-gloss paint without sanding, it is worth noting that sanding can improve the outcome of your project. If you choose to sand, use fine-grit sandpaper between 180 and 220-grit to lightly scuff the surface and improve adhesion. Remember to clean the surface and remove any dust or debris before proceeding with the primer application.
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Lightly sanding
Painting over high-gloss paint requires some preparation, but it is possible to do so without extensive sanding. Lightly sanding the surface will create a good base for the new paint to adhere to. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Start by putting on a pair of rubber gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from paint dust. Using fine-grit sandpaper between 180 and 220-grit, lightly sand the entire surface of the high-gloss paint. You don't need to remove all the paint; just scuff it up enough to create a rough surface for the new paint to grip. Be careful around corners and crevices to ensure you don't miss any spots. The goal is to remove the glossy sheen without damaging the underlying paint layer.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
After sanding, use a damp sponge and gentle, circular motions to wipe down the surface. Remove any dust, dirt, or grime that may have accumulated. Pay extra attention to corners and cracks to ensure a thorough cleaning. You can also use a mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water for more effective cleaning. Just be sure to avoid scrubbing too forcefully so as not to damage the paint.
Step 3: Dry the Surface
Once the surface is clean, use a dry, clean towel or cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Do this step gently to avoid leaving cloth fibres on the surface, which can affect the final appearance. You can also let the paint air-dry for about an hour to ensure it is completely dry.
Step 4: Prime the Surface (Optional)
At this point, you have the option to apply a primer. While some sources suggest that a suitable primer can be applied directly over the sanded and cleaned surface, others recommend light sanding after priming for better adhesion. If you decide to prime, ensure the surface is thoroughly clean and dry first.
Step 5: Paint
Finally, you are ready to apply your new paint. Use a paintbrush or roller and work the new paint evenly across the surface. Depending on your desired finish and the colour you are painting over, you may need multiple coats of paint.
Remember, while light sanding is an essential step in preparing high-gloss surfaces for repainting, it is just one part of the process. Proper cleaning, drying, and priming are also crucial for achieving a clean and consistent finish.
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Cleaning the surface
Painting over high-gloss surfaces can be challenging due to the smooth and shiny nature of the paint. To ensure a successful paint job, it is crucial to prepare the surface properly, which includes cleaning it thoroughly. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a high-gloss surface before painting:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies. Gather items such as cleaning cloths or rags, buckets, liquid dish soap, white vinegar, a feather duster or soft-bristled brush, and, if needed, a mild soap or detergent like sugar soap. It is also recommended to lay a drop cloth or towel beneath the area you are cleaning to protect the surrounding surfaces.
Start by removing any dust from the surface. Use a feather duster, a soft-bristled brush attachment on your vacuum, or a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe down the surface, ensuring no dust or debris remains. This step is crucial, as dust can interfere with the adhesion of the new paint.
Next, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a small amount of liquid dish soap and white vinegar. You can also use a mild soap or a detergent specifically designed for pre-paint cleaning, such as sugar soap. Sugar soap is particularly useful for removing grease and grime from surfaces before painting.
Dip your cleaning cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess liquid. Working in small sections, start from the bottom and work your way up, scrubbing the surface in gentle, circular motions. Avoid using abrasive materials or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can scratch the high-gloss finish.
After scrubbing each section, rinse your cloth or sponge in a separate bucket of warm water and go over the area to remove any soap residue. Ensure that you wring out the excess water from your cloth or sponge before wiping the surface. Repeat this process until you have cleaned the entire surface.
Finally, allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which may include sanding or priming, depending on your specific project.
Remember, proper cleaning and preparation of the surface are essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting paint finish. Take your time during this process, and don't be afraid to go over areas multiple times to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
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Using a deglosser
If you want to paint over high-gloss paint without sanding, you can use a deglosser. Deglossing and degreasing the surface will help the new paint to adhere better. It is important to ensure the room is well-ventilated and that you are wearing goggles and gloves for protection.
First, apply the deglosser to a coarse sponge and vigorously scrub the surface in a circular motion. You can use a product like Krud Kutter deglosser, or Wilbond, which is a mixture of various solvents, including toluene, methanol, acetone, naphtha, and isopropyl alcohol. This will attack the surface of the paint, softening and roughening it, so that new paint coats will stick better.
After deglossing, you should apply a primer. This is an important step to ensure that your new coat of paint will last. If you are painting over an oil-based surface, you will need to use an oil-based primer, such as Kilz or Zinsser Cover Stain, to seal it in. You can thin it with a thinner beforehand to avoid brush strokes. If you are using a water-based paint, you can use any primer.
Finally, once the primer is dry, you are ready to apply the paint of your choice.
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Painting over gloss with emulsion
To paint over gloss with emulsion, you will need to prepare the surface properly. Start by removing any old paint or wallpaper from the surface. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the entire surface until it is no longer sticky. This process will create a good base for the new paint to adhere to. Be extra careful around corners and crevices to ensure you do not miss any spots.
After sanding, clean the area with a mixture of mild soap and water to remove any dust, dirt, or grime. Remove excess moisture with a dry sponge or cloth. Once the surface is completely dry, apply a high-quality bonding primer or adhesion primer to the surface using a paintbrush or roller. Allow the primer to dry for at least three days before applying the emulsion paint.
If you are painting a wall, you can use a PVA and water solution and roll it over the glossed areas before applying two coats of emulsion. You can also use an acrylic primer/undercoat, but it may be costly for larger rooms. For furniture, you will need to use a wood paint as emulsion paint will not work.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it is not recommended. If you want the new paint to stick, you will need to sand the surface to remove the glossy finish. You can then apply a primer and paint.
Wear protective gloves and a face mask to avoid getting paint on your hands and inhaling dust particles. Use 180-grit sandpaper and sand in circular motions until the surface is no longer glossy. Be sure to reach all corners and crevices.
Clean the surface with a mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water. You can also use sugar soap, a detergent that can be used on walls and woodwork. Remove excess moisture with a dry sponge or cloth.
You can use a bonding primer or a product like BIN123 or Kilz. If you are painting a light colour over a dark one, use two coats of primer.
It is not recommended as the new paint may not stick and the gloss may show through. However, you can try using a deglosser instead of sanding to promote adhesion.











































