Sometimes, when purchasing a house, especially if it’s not brand new, people prefer painting over areas that are too glossy. Gloss paint finishes were very popular at the end of the 20th Century, so many houses still bare the remnants of the high-impact shine. You may want to tone this down. Satinwood is a great option, for a discreet and elegant sheen. However, can you paint satinwood over gloss, or do you need to remove the gloss first? Let’s find out!
Can You Paint Satinwood Over Gloss?
As a rule of thumb, painting water-based satinwood straight over an oil-based gloss is not recommended. It will work, but over time, the glossiness of the undercoat prevents the second layer from adhering properly and you increase the chances of the yellowed gloss bleeding through.
Anything you paint over gloss without proper treatment will end up much more prone to damage, and will most likely become patchy and off-colour in no time. You’re also risking a fair amount of peeling down the line because the paint won’t be able to adhere properly. The most optimal solution requires taking some steps before painting onto the glossy surface including removing the old gloss and using water or shellac-based primer. Let’s go through the options.
How to paint satinwood over gloss
Method 1: Use a deglosser
The most common method when repainting a surface that was previously painted with a glossy finish is to sand off the gloss. However, that may not be the ideal solution for you if:
- You don’t have access to an electric sanding machine
- The surface you want to paint has grooves or some other kind of texture
- You don’t have much time
- You have a large surface to cover
In those cases, you can use a deglossing product to get rid of the previous gloss paint. These products, which go by the name of liquid deglosser, are readily available at your local hardware store. Aim for tried and tested brands like Krudd Kutter or M1.
A liquid deglosser is a specially designed liquid that will degloss most surfaces and create the environment needed for a chemical bond between your glossy surface and Satinwood paint. You will need:
- A pair of thick protective household or work gloves
- Protective glasses
- A rag
Step 1: Soak your rag in the deglosser. Saturate the rag with the product, without it dripping off the fabric.
Step 2: Wipe all your glossy surfaces, making sure that every inch of each surface is sufficiently saturated with the product. Remember, this is a highly chemical product, powerful enough to strip off the gloss from painted surfaces, so don’t get any on your skin. You’ll be able to paint your surface with Satinwood 10 minutes after application, once it’s dry.
Method 2: Sanding and Priming
To remove the existing gloss, you’ll need to sand your surfaces. There’s no need to completely remove the paint, just make sure all surfaces are thoroughly stripped of the gloss. You can then apply the Satinwood paint. If you have access to a bonding primer such as Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat or Johnstone’s Aqua Based Undercoat, it is encouraged to use it to promote adherence.
Painting satinwood straight over gloss isn’t recommended but if you take appropriate steps, you can reach an optimal result and spruce up the outdated glossy surfaces in your home. Whether you choose sanding or deglossing, make sure you remove all gloss, and you’re all set to paint satinwood onto your prepped surfaces.