If you want to paint over gloss paint you will need to prepare the surface first. A glossy finish will need to be scuffed up. It is very dense and slick. Therefore you will have to provide a bonding opportunity for your painting. Scuffing up the surface with 220-grit sandpaper will give your topcoat enough “tooth” to bite.
Can you paint over gloss paint without sanding
If you attempt to paint over glossy paint without sanding then you will most likely have a peeling issue in the future.
Since the paint will not have anything to grab onto it will chip and peel easily.
To avoid sanding you can, however, use a liquid deglosser such as Krudd Kutter or M1.
We like to use either one at 518 Painters.
This paint primer will even stick to polyurethane and clear coats.
These are specially designed liquids that will degloss most surfaces and promote a chemical bond between your glossy surface and new paint.
Best Primer For Glossy Surfaces
In addition, if you want to make sure that your paint will adhere to glossy and hard-to-paint surfaces then I would absolutely suggest using a bonding primer such as STIX.
With this primer, you can rest assured that your paint will not peel.
How to use a liquid deglosser
To use a liquid deglosser you will need a pair of rubber gloves and preferably protective glasses.
Take a rag and soak it with a liquid deglosser. Then just wipe your glossy surfaces and wait about 10 minutes before painting.
You will have approximately 7-10 days to paint after de-glossing.
Read more about Does paint Deglosser Work?
What paint can you use to paint over gloss paint?
I have painted a piece of furniture with gloss paint and now I want to paint another color on top. What kind of paint should I use?
There are many different types of paints to choose from.
You can use oil-based, water-based latex, acrylic, or any other type of paint to paint over the gloss paint because the surface has been sanded and prepared.
However, it is best to use the same type of paint as the original paint.
If you decide to use a different type of paint, make sure you also change your painting technique so that you get a similar finish.
It is important to prepare the surface before you start painting.
For example, if the pre-existing surface is glossy, make sure you sand it before applying your new coat of paint.
Oil-based paints require at least two coats so make sure your first coat is dry before applying the second one.*
You can also apply a primer if you want your new coat of paint to adhere better and last longer.*
Read more about What Is The Best Paint Primer?
This ultimate guide to painting kitchen cabinets has everything you need to know about the process, materials, and determining what type of cabinets you have!
Can I Spray Paint Over Gloss Paint
Yes, if you use oil-based paint.
Oil-based paint, just like oil-based primers, will adhere to glossy surfaces easily because of the way they are formulated.
I would still suggest you take at least a green Brillo pad and lightly scuff the surface.
Always wipe off your surface with a damp rag before painting to remove any loose debris and sanding dust.
How to paint over a glossy oil-based finish
If your surface has an oil-based finish and you are painting it with latex paint you will need to scuff sand everything first.
180-220 grit works perfectly.
If you are not sure whether the surface has an oil finish then you can easily test it.
Take a rag with some acetone or nail polish remover on it and rub it on the surface.
Denatured Alcohol works too.
If the paint rubs off then it is a latex finish.
If not, then it is oil-based.
Can I paint over gloss enamel?
Yes, you will, however, sand the surface bit more thoroughly than if it is a latex semi-gloss paint.
The reason is, enamel paints have a more durable finish than latex.
The related article Does paint Deglosser work?