How To Paint Over High-Gloss Paint? (5 Steps)

| Updated on
Reviewed by
Eral Kadrija

Tony Adams

High-gloss paint has the highest sheen amount compared to other paints and creates a glossy moisture-resistant finish once dry.

You can paint over high-gloss paint if you remove its glossy finish first. You must either sand the finish, de-gloss the paint, remove the glossy topcoat, or remove the entire paint first before painting over it.

To paint over high-gloss paint, remove the glossy top coat, sand the paint finish, apply primer, apply the new paint, and seal the paint finish.

Can You Paint over High-Gloss Paint?

Is High-Gloss Paint Hard To Paint Over?

You can paint over high-gloss paint if you remove its glossy top layer. High-gloss paint due to its high sheen formula creates a glossy top layer that prevents paint penetration or adhesion.

The high-gloss paint finish is hard (rigid), glossy, water-resistant, and can’t be penetrated by liquids (including paint).

A new paint won’t adhere and will peel off if you apply it directly over a high-gloss paint finish. You must either sand the finish, de-gloss the paint, remove its glossy top coat, apply a primer to cover the finish, or remove the entire paint finish before applying new paint.

The high-gloss paint amount you remove depends on the new paint. For instance, you must remove less paint if using oil-based paint as the new finish.

You don’t need to de-gloss or remove high-gloss paint if sealing it. Sealers are topical finishes and don’t need to penetrate a paint coating to adhere. They will form a water-resistant coating over high-gloss paint and protect it from water, moisture, scratches, and other elements.

Can You Paint Over High-Gloss Paint Without Sanding?

Can You Paint Over High-Gloss Paint Without Sanding?

You can paint over high-gloss paint without sanding if you apply a primer coating or use a de-glosser first.

The primer coating covers the high-gloss top layer and provides a smooth coating for the next paint to adhere to.

A de-glosser (or a liquid deglosser) is a product that removes or reduces the gloss of an existing paint finish, making it less shiny and more suitable for a new paint coating.

You can’t paint over high-gloss paint if you don’t sand, apply primer, de-gloss its finish, or remove its glossy top coat. The high-gloss paint top coat is slick and moisture-resistant and prevents paint from penetrating and adhering.

How To Paint Over High-Gloss Paint?

To paint over high-gloss paint, do the following things.

  1. Remove the Glossy Top coat.
  2. Sand the Paint Finish.
  3. Apply Primer (Optional).
  4. Apply the New Paint.
  5. Seal the Paint Finish.

The tools you need for this project are listed below.

  • Medium and fine-grit sandpaper
  • Clean rags
  • Primer paint
  • A gallon of paint
  • A paintbrush or spray gun
  • A sealer
  • A pair of gloves
  • Drop sheet
  • Paint thinner, paint scrapper, or paint stripper (Optional)

1. Remove the Glossy Top coat

Remove The Glossy Top Coat On The High-Gloss Finish

Remove the high-gloss paint glossy top coat as new paint can’t penetrate or adhere over it. To remove the high-gloss paint glossy top coat, use a fine-grit sandpaper or de-glosser.

Fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) removes the glossy topcoat but doesn’t remove the entire paint. The de-glosser breaks the paint finish gloss and creates a slightly textured surface to help new paint adhere better.

2. Sand the Paint Finish

Smoothen The Surface and Remove Dust

Sand the paint finish with extra fine-grit sandpaper (440-grit) to remove imperfections and bumps, and make the surface smooth and paint-ready.

After de-glossing and sanding the paint finish, clean it with a damp rag to remove dust and debris.

3. Apply Primer (Optional)

Apply Paint Primer

Apply one (1) primer coat to cover the high-gloss paint top coat if you didn’t sand or de-gloss it.

The primer covers the paint finish gloss, creates a smooth layer for new paint to adhere better, covers imperfections and holes, and prevents bleed-through.

A primer coating is optional if you have sanded or de-glossed the high-gloss paint finish.

4. Apply the New Paint

Apply The Paint

Apply 2-3 light paint coats over high-gloss paint for proper coverage and durability. Wait until one coat dries before applying the next one.

Use a paint sprayer, roller, or brush to apply the paint.

5. Seal the Paint Finish

Seal The Paint With A Top Coat

Seal the new paint finish with a moisture-resistant sealer, such as polyurethane, to increase the finish durability.

Which Types of Paint Can You Apply over High-gloss Paint?

Types of Paint You Can Use Over High-Gloss Paint
  • Flat Paint: You can apply flat paint over a high-gloss finish if you sand the finish gloss first.
  • Eggshell Paint: You can apply eggshell paint over high-gloss paint if you apply a primer coating between two paints.
  • Satin Paint: You can apply satin paint over high-gloss paint if you remove the finish gloss completely. Satin paint is water-based and doesn’t adhere well to glossy finishes unless you remove them.
  • Semi-gloss Paint: You can apply semi-gloss paint over high-gloss paint if you remove the finish gloss.
  • High-gloss Paint: You can apply high-gloss paint over high-gloss paint but you must sand the finish gloss first.
Tony Adams

Tony Adams

Woodworker, Interior and Exterior Painter, Flooring Specialist

Tony is a professional painter and an author of DIY Geeks. Tony has completed over 1,000 painting projects for his clients. It's safe to say he knows what he Is talking about.

Eral Kadrija

Eral Kadrija

Lead Editor, Home Renovator

Eral has a passion for home renovation and repair. Over the years, he has bought, renovated, and sold 7 old homes. Using his experience from different DIY projects he created DIY Geeks.

Leave a Comment