You’ve decided to start a painting project, but there’s a major problem: the wall you’ll repaint is painted with gloss. Is it possible to put flat paint over semi-gloss and gloss paint?
You can put flat paint over semi-gloss and gloss paint. You must ensure the surface is clean and free of dirt, dust, and grease. Sand the wall before applying a coat of primer. Use a high-quality primer when painting. Finally, apply two coats of flat paint for the best results.
Following these steps will ensure that the new paint job looks great and lasts for years. Read more information about properly applying flat paint over semi-gloss and gloss surfaces.
How To Cover Semi-gloss and Gloss with Flat Paint
Tools You’ll Need
- Rags and other cleaning materials
- Sandpaper
- Safety gear (eye goggles, gloves, ventilation mask)
- Drop cloth or old newspapers
- Paint tray
- Primer
- Paint
Step 1. Clean walls
Before you can repaint your walls, you need to remove any existing decorations. Take down pictures and mirrors, and unscrew any curtain hardware. If any nails are left in the wall, carefully pull them out and set them aside. Once everything is removed, you can start washing the walls.
Use a rag or soft cloth dipped in warm water and mild dish detergent for painted walls. Gently scrub the wall’s surface, careful not to damage the paint. Afterward, allow the walls to air dry completely before repainting.
Step 2. Repair any imperfections
Before painting, you must ensure the wall is smooth and even. Any holes or imperfections will show up once the paint is applied, so it’s important to take the time to repair them beforehand.
To use spackle, simply put on a pair of latex gloves and apply the spackle to the damaged area with your fingers. Once you have smoothed it into the cracks and removed any excess, you can let it dry. For larger areas, you may want to use a spackle spreader. Once the spackle is dry, your wall will be ready for painting.
Step 3. Sand
Sanding is an important step in preparing a surface for painting. It helps create a smooth, even surface to which the paint can easily adhere. When sanding semi-gloss paint, using a pole sander with 150-grit sandpaper is important.
Work in one direction with light pressure to avoid creating any indentations or unevenness on the surface. Cover any furniture or items nearby with a drop cloth before starting, and move any larger pieces out of the way. Once you’ve finished sanding, the surface should be smooth and ready for painting.
Can You Paint Over Semi-gloss And Gloss Without Sanding?
If you’re painting a piece of furniture and want to avoid the tedious process of sanding, you may get away with using a chemical deglosser. This product breaks down the shiny surface of semi-gloss and gloss paint, making it easier for the new paint to adhere.
When using a deglosser, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. In most cases, you’ll need to apply the deglosser to a clean, dry surface and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it away. Once the deglosser has been removed, you should be able to paint over the surface without any trouble.
When it comes to preparing surfaces for paint, both sanding and deglossing have their benefits. Sanding is a more thorough option, as it will remove any existing paint or varnish from the surface. This ensures that the new paint will adhere properly and creates a smooth finish. However, sanding is also time-consuming and physically demanding, particularly when working on a large surface area.
Deglossing is a quicker option, as it only requires applying the deglossing solution with a soft cloth and waiting for the surface to dry. However, deglossing can be more harmful to your health, as the chemicals in the solution can be toxic.
In addition, deglossing only works on glossy surfaces, so if the existing finish is already matte, sanding will be necessary to provide a key for the new paint. Ultimately, the choice between sanding and deglossing depends on the type of surface you are working with and your personal preferences.
Can TSP Be Used To Degloss Before Painting?
Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a heavy-duty cleaner often used to prep surfaces for painting. TSP cleans and deglosses surfaces in one step, and it can be used on various materials including wood, ceramic, metal, and vinyl.
However, while TSP is an effective cleaner, it is not always the best option for deglossing surfaces before painting. TSP can strip away too much of the existing paint, leaving the surface vulnerable to nicks and scratches. In addition, TSP produces hazardous fumes and should be used with caution.
Step 4. Wash the walls
After sanding or deglossing, the next step is to wash the walls again. This will help remove any dirt or dust particles that may have been created by sanding and ensure that the paint adheres properly. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent.
Then, using a sponge, scrub the walls with the solution. When you’re finished, rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely. Once your walls are dry, they will be ready for painting.
Step 5. Cover baseboards and trim
It’s important to cover the baseboards and trim with painter’s tape. This will help protect these surfaces from paint splatter and ensure a clean finish. Once you’ve applied the painter’s tape, use a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to cover any nearby furniture or flooring.
Step 6. Prime
Once you’ve prepared the surface of your wall, it’s time to apply primer. To apply primer, shake the can well and then use a roller to apply a thin layer to the entire surface of the wall. Be sure to pay special attention to the edges, where paint is more likely to peel. Once you’ve applied the primer, allow it to dry completely before moving on to paint.
Is Primer Necessary?
The simple answer is that it depends on the current state of your wall and the paint job you’re hoping to achieve. For instance, if the finish is damaged or stained, you’ll need to use a primer to get an even coating. Similarly, if you’re hoping to change from a dark to light color, a primer will help to prevent the former from showing through.
In general, even though priming isn’t required, it can help the new paint job to stick better and last longer. So, if you’re unsure whether or not to prime, err on the side of caution and give your walls a quick coat before beginning your project.
Step 7. Paint
The first coat of paint is always the most important. It sets the tone for the rest of the project and needs to be done with care. After priming the walls, open the can of semi-gloss and give it a good stir. Next, pour a small amount into your paint dish and saturate the roller.
Start at the top of the wall and work your way down in even strokes. Once you’ve finished the first coat, let it dry to the touch before proceeding. This will ensure that subsequent coats go on smoothly and evenly.
One Coat Or Two?
In most cases, it’s best to use two coats of paint since the first coat seldom provides complete coverage. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you’re painting over an existing coat of paint that is the same color, you may get by with just a single coat.
Or suppose you’re using self-priming paint, a high-build mixture with plenty of solids. In that case, it often provides sufficient coverage in a single coat, even if the color is radically different from the existing paint.
