Gloss paint is hard, smooth and often contaminated by hand grease, polish or years of cleaning. New paint may look fine for a short time and then peel from the edges if the old coating was not sound or the new system could not grip it. The preparation is the important part.
Check the old finish first
Look for flaking edges, cracks, bubbling, soft areas and places where the coating has already lost adhesion. Press a sharp edge gently into a discreet area and inspect what happens; do not create damage simply to test every surface. If the old coating is failing, find out why. Damp, movement, impact or repeated heavy layers may need attention before repainting.
Clean before sanding
Wash away grease, polish and dirt with a suitable cleaner. Kitchen doors, skirting boards, handrails and door edges can be more contaminated than they look. Follow the cleaner’s instructions, rinse where required and allow the surface to dry. Sanding a greasy surface can spread contamination rather than remove it.
Dull the sheen without destroying the surface
Use a suitable abrasive to remove the polished shine and create a consistent key. The aim is a uniformly dull surface with the loose material removed, not deep scratches through every layer. Pay attention to mouldings, edges and the lower parts of doors, where runs and heavy build-up are common. Vacuum and wipe away dust afterwards.
Use the right primer or undercoat
A compatible adhesion primer may be sensible on sound, difficult gloss, especially when changing from a solvent-borne system to a water-based finish. Bare areas, filler, stains and timber may need different products. Read the technical data for the actual substrate and allow the primer to dry for the stated time. If you are unsure, test a small area and check adhesion after it has dried.
Trim paint can feel dry while the film is still soft. Avoid closing doors, stacking painted parts or dragging objects across the surface until the product has cured sufficiently.
Apply the finish without overworking it
Use a paint rated for the surface and the level of wear it will receive. Keep coats even and do not keep brushing or rolling once the finish has started to tack. Thin edges help prevent sticking on doors and windows. Lightly de-nib between coats only when the product system allows it, then remove dust before recoating.
When is professional preparation sensible?
A small area of sound skirting or a door can be a reasonable DIY job. A whole house full of glossy woodwork, failing coatings, intricate mouldings or awkward access is different. Professional preparation can be worthwhile when the finish must be consistent across many rooms or when repeated sanding would create too much dust and disruption. Nottingham Decorating’s interior painting service includes doors, frames, skirting and other painted woodwork.
Gloss-paint FAQs
Can I paint straight over gloss?
It is risky. Clean the surface, check that the old coating is sound, dull the sheen and use a compatible primer where the product system requires one.
Do I need to remove all old gloss?
Not always. Sound old gloss can often be prepared in place, but loose, cracked or failing paint needs to be removed and the cause addressed.
Can I use water-based paint over solvent-based gloss?
Sometimes, but compatibility and adhesion must be checked. Follow the primer and finish manufacturer’s instructions.