
There are several ways to reduce the shine of paint, including sanding, using a deglosser, or using a finer polishing compound. Sanding, also known as rubbing out the finish, involves manually removing some of the finish material and roughing up the surface to reduce shine. Liquid sandpaper or traditional sandpaper can be used for this process. When using sandpaper, it is important to use a fine grit to avoid visible scratches. A deglosser is a liquid that can be applied with a rag to remove gloss, but it may be difficult to achieve an even appearance. Alternatively, a finer polishing compound can be used to reduce shine, and naphtha or another solvent can be used to remove the compound if needed.
Techniques to Remove Shine from Paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sanding | Use sandpaper to sand the paint back in places or all over to get the desired effect. |
| Deglossing | Use a liquid deglosser (also called liquid sandpaper) to wipe the paint. |
| Naphtha | Use naphtha or another solvent to remove a polishing compound. |
| Refinishing | Refinishing is an option if you want to go straight to a matte finish from a high-gloss finish. |
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What You'll Learn

Sanding
To sand a painted surface, start by laying a tarp below the area to prevent paint grains from falling onto the floor. Wash the painted surface with hot water and soap to remove dirt and debris that could interfere with the sanding process. Let the surface dry before sanding.
Use sandpaper with a grit of 220 to 400 to sand the wall. Avoid using coarser sandpaper than 400-grit, as the scratches will be visible. The fine grains on the sandpaper will create small, unnoticeable scratches that reduce the glossiness of the paint. Work your way down grit-wise, from 220 to 300, then to 400. After each round, wipe down the surface and examine it for swirl marks. If you are satisfied with the finish, clean off the wood and inspect the final result.
If the painted area is still too glossy, repeat the sanding process. You can also use liquid sandpaper, but be sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the harsh chemicals. Apply the liquid sandpaper to a thick cloth, then scrub the surface in a circular motion. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid a buildup of debris.
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Liquid sandpaper
If you want to take the shine out of paint, you can use liquid sandpaper, which is a no-mess degreaser and deglosser. It is a liquid that can be applied with a cloth or sponge and scrubbed onto the surface in a circular motion. It is important to protect yourself with gloves and goggles when using liquid sandpaper due to the harsh chemicals it contains. You should also tie your hair back and avoid touching your skin until you have removed your gloves.
Before using liquid sandpaper, wash the paint surface with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry the surface with a cloth. Open the liquid sandpaper bottle and place a thick cloth over it. Flip the bottle and apply some of the liquid to the cloth.
If you are using liquid sandpaper, be aware that it may not work on all surfaces and could cause issues with certain finishes. It is important to thoroughly clean the surface after using liquid sandpaper to ensure that all the chemicals are removed. If you know that the existing and new finish are compatible, you can simply give it a light scuff and respray or rebrush.
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Deglosser
If you want to take the shine out of paint, you can use sandpaper or liquid sandpaper, also known as deglosser. Sandpaper is a traditional method that requires manual labour and can be time-consuming. It involves using fine-grit sandpaper to make small, unnoticeable scratches that reduce the glossiness of the paint surface. However, one needs to be cautious while using sandpaper as using anything coarser than 400-grit sandpaper can leave visible scratches on the surface. Liquid sandpaper or deglosser, on the other hand, is a chemical solution that can be used to roughen existing paint by removing the gloss. It is a less labour-intensive and time-consuming process as compared to sandpaper. It is also useful for reaching hard-to-reach places and intricate designs.
To use a deglosser, start by cleaning the surface of the item. Then, apply the deglosser to a clean cloth or brush and wipe down the entire item. Allow the deglosser to work for the recommended time, usually a few minutes, and then wipe off any excess. Once the surface is dry, it is ready for a new coat of paint. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors when using a deglosser and wear protective eyewear and gloves to avoid contact with the skin.
It is important to note that deglossers use chemicals to remove the glossy surface, so it is recommended to do a test run on a small area before applying it to the entire surface. This is especially important if the item has sentimental value or is an antique as lead paint was commonly used in the past.
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Polishing compound
A polishing compound is a clear liquid or paste solution applied to clear coats using a foam applicator. It helps get rid of scratches, swirls, and other imperfections in clear coats. Polishing compounds come in different forms, such as toothpaste-like for small jobs, and spray-on or liquid varieties for larger jobs.
If you are trying to achieve a matte finish, you can use a polishing compound to remove the gloss from your paint. First, you will need to sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Then, apply the polishing compound to a buffing pad and attach it to an orbital sander. Turn on the sander and start polishing. If you are satisfied with the finish, clean the surface with soapy water and enjoy the result.
If you want to add more shine, you can repeat the buffing process using a finer polishing compound. However, be cautious not to apply too much pressure during the buffing process, as this may cause swirl marks. If you are not satisfied with the finish, you can remove the polishing compound with naphtha or another solvent. Then, you can repeat the process with a coarser grit sandpaper to achieve a duller finish.
It is important to note that the amount of shine removed will depend on the type of polishing compound used and the amount of pressure applied during the buffing process. Additionally, the grit of the sandpaper used will also affect the final finish, with a coarser grit resulting in a duller look.
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Refinishing
If you are refinishing wooden pieces, you should first clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as these may not combine well with the finish. Start with 220-grit sandpaper and give the piece a once-over to roughen up the existing finish. Then, work your way down with the sandpaper grit, moving from 300 to 400. Wipe down the surface and examine it between each round. If you spot swirl marks, you can work them out. Once you reach 600 grit, clean off the wood and examine the finish. If you are satisfied with the result, you can stop. If not, you can try using a liquid deglosser, which can be purchased from any good paint store.
Before using liquid sandpaper, don gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the harsh cleaning chemicals. Tie your hair back and avoid touching your skin until you remove your gloves. Wash the paint surface with warm water and soap, then dry it with an absorbent cloth. Open the liquid sandpaper bottle and place a thick cloth over it. Flip the bottle over and apply some of the contents to the cloth. Scrub the surface in a circular motion, rinsing the cloth as you work to avoid a buildup of debris. Allow the liquid sandpaper to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you are not satisfied with the results of sanding or using a deglosser, you may have to repaint the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to take the shine out of paint. One way is to use sandpaper to sand it down until you get your desired effect. Another way is to use liquid sandpaper or a deglosser, which can be purchased from any good paint store. You can also try not rinsing your paint roller, which will dull the paint.
You should use fine-grained sandpaper so that you do not visibly scratch the paint. Sandpaper with a grit of 400 or above is recommended.
Put on gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the harsh cleaning chemicals in the liquid sandpaper. Tie your hair back and don't touch your skin until you've removed the gloves. Wash the paint surface with warm water and soap, then dry it with an absorbent cloth. Open the liquid sandpaper and place a thick cloth over the bottle. Flip the bottle over so that some of the liquid is absorbed into the cloth. Scrub the painted surface with the damp cloth, moving in a circular motion. Rinse the cloth often to avoid a buildup of debris. Allow the liquid sandpaper to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.











































