Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
Before you can get a glossy paint finish, the surface must be prepped. Clean and degrease it. Sand it to make it smooth. Fill any cracks or holes. Preparation is key for painting glossy surfaces. It ensures the final product looks great!

Clean the surface
Before you make any surface glossy, it is key to prepare the area. Start by filling any cracks or holes with a wood filler that matches the wood grain. Please wait for it to dry. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper and sand the surface smoothly. This helps the paint adhere and will give a glossy finish.
For oil-based paint, use mineral spirits to remove dirt and grime. Use a mild soap-like dish detergent with warm water if it’s water-based. Rinse away all the soap residue. Let the surface dry completely before you paint.
Sand the surface
Before painting with a glossy finish, prepare the surface carefully. Sand it down with medium and fine-grained sandpaper, going from coarser to finer. Vacuum and wipe the dust away with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure all dirt and grime are removed. Apply a compatible primer and wait for it to dry (follow the manufacturer’s directions). Finally, apply one or two coats of high gloss paint for a beautiful luster!
Apply primer
Applying a primer before painting is essential to ensure the paint adheres properly. Primer creates a consistent film that seals stains and gaps, blocking them from the new color.
The type of primer depends on the material and topcoat. Oil-based primer is best for porous materials like wood, while acrylic latex primer is better for surfaces like drywall or metal.
Before applying primer, clean and sand the area to give extra grip. Allow an hour of drying time before adding your final paint coats for a beautiful, long-lasting result.
Applying the Paint

When it comes to shiny, glossy walls, furniture, and other materials, it’s all about the paint application. Applying paint is similar for all types but can create different results. For a vibrant and glossy finish, proper application of paint is essential. Here are the best practices for applying paint:
- Prepare the surface before painting.
- Choose the right type of paint for the surface.
- Mix the paint properly.
- Use a quality brush or roller.
- Apply the paint in thin layers.
- Let the paint dry before applying a second coat.
Choose the right paint.
Choosing the right paint is essential for a glossy finish. Paint comes in different types: water-based, oil-based or chalk paint with a glossy effect. Select the paint according to the surface and job, then pick your color and the gloss sheen. The higher gloss offers a reflective shine.
Paints usually come in three gloss levels – low (10-25%), semi-gloss (35-70%) and high (80-100%).
- Low gloss is good for walls, trim moldings, etc.
- Semi-gloss for humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms and around sinks.
- High gloss for furniture, cabinetry and surfaces that receive more wear and tear.
Make sure it’s right for your purpose before purchasing!
Mix the paint
Mix the paint thoroughly before painting. This helps get a uniform color and finish. Mixing time depends on paint type and age. Use a power drill or hand stir. Ensure the paint is at room temperature—filter or strain with a fine mesh for large bits. Clean up quickly after straining. Don’t let dried particles stick to the wet project when done.
Apply the paint
Painting and giving the surface a glossy look can be intimidating, but it’s easy with the correct steps and tools. To apply paint and make it glossy:
- Start by sanding the surface. This will remove any bumps and make the primer and paint stick better. Clean it off with a damp cloth afterward.
- Apply primer before painting. It will give an even surface for the paint and help it last longer.
- Add two coats of thinned-out colored gloss enamel or latex paint. Make sure to let the layers dry before adding the next. Use medium-to-long strokes in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
- Finish off with a top coat if desired. This will make the color more intense and protect it from damage. Don’t touch it up until it is completely dry!
Finishing Touches
A glossy finish: the ultimate way to make your paint job look amazing. It can take some time, but you’ll get great results with a few simple steps! Let’s talk about techniques and products for glossy paint. All the details are here – just for you!
Add a glossy finish
Give your freshly-painted project a glossy finish to make it look professional and protect it. The clear coat is a common way to do this, with spray-on aerosols, brush-on lacquers, and easy-to-clean water-based formulas. Apply several thin coats for an even shine.
Use furniture wax or oil polish for natural woods like oak or mahogany. This will condition the wood while giving it a nice sheen. Too much polish can leave a sticky residue, though!
Add glitter directly onto the paint to get an almost ceramic finish before it dries. But remember to put a sealer over the top for protection. Most clear coats work, don’t spray too close, or the glitter will fly!
Use high-gloss paint.
If you want a glossy look, use paint specifically made for it. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints are available. High-gloss will have a stronger reflection but not necessarily a longer life. Read the label carefully when buying.
Brands offer special high-gloss paints for furniture and woodwork. These have reflective particles for a glossier finish than emulsion paints. They are also more durable and resistant to stains and scratches. So, when looking for an ultra-glossy finish, use a product created for that purpose!
Add a clear coat
To achieve a polished look, get a clear coat. You can find them at home goods stores or online. For the perfect glossiness and shine, a clear coat is needed.
Different gloss levels are available:
- Semi-Gloss: Subtle patina & extra protection.
- High Gloss: Highly reflective finish.
- Matte Finish: Soft sheen.
Once you’ve chosen, it’s time to paint! Apply light coats, allowing each layer to dry before adding another. Too much liquid on a wet layer can create sags or runs.
Cleaning and Maintenance

Keep your paint looking fresh and glossy. You need to keep it clean and maintained! Cleaning paint is tricky. Doing it wrong can cause more harm than good. Here are the steps you need to take to make your paint look glossy and vibrant:
- Remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface.
- Clean the surface with mild detergent and warm water.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and let it dry completely.
- Apply high-quality wax to the surface.
- Use a soft cloth to buff the wax to a glossy shine.
Clean the surface regularly.
To preserve a fresh paint gloss, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. To keep your paint shiny, dust it with a soft cloth every week. When dust accumulates, use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe off dirt and grime. Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool, as they can damage the paint. For tough stains, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Don’t clean a large area, as too much moisture can cause the gloss to be dull.
Remove any dirt or debris.
Before glossy paint creation, clean the surface!
- Vacuum first.
- Then, use a mild detergent solution to remove dirt and dust.
- After, rinse with cold water and dry the surface.
- If any paint chips remain, use a razor blade to take them off carefully.
Are you all done? Now you can begin!
Use a soft cloth to buff the paint.
To keep your paint looking glossy, use a soft cloth to buff it. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove any grease and grime that builds up. A microfiber towel is best for this job, as it won’t damage or scratch the paint.
Polish out any remaining particles or debris with a polishing cloth. Use a car wax or one-step polish and sealant for automotive finishes for extra protection. This will help with cleaning in the long run.
Do not use:
- Abrasives
- Metal polishes
- Stiff-bristled brushes
- Solvents
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- abrasive material.
These can damage the gloss finish and leave permanent scratches. They can also strip away waxes and other coatings that give the paint its glossy look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the materials needed to make paint glossy?
To make paint glossy, you will need a brush or roller, a bucket, a cloth, and a room with a good ventilation system.
How do you make paint glossy?
To make the paint glossy, mix it with water and stir it until it has an even consistency. Next, apply the paint in thin layers, using a brush or roller, and let it dry between each layer. After the last layer has dried, use a cloth to buff the paint and make it glossy.
How long should the paint dry before it is buffed?
The paint should be completely dry before it is buffed. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the room, this can take up to a few hours.

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.