Most of us know that fresh paint is the least expensive
way to make our house feel more like home! Even quicker, fresh trim makes your
existing walls look like new. And nothing makes your trim "pop" like
high-gloss paint.
I thought you might like these tips from our personal
experience today. It's tough - even for "professionals" - to get best
results with high-gloss paint. Here's how we can do what even the pros shy away
from!
Tips for Painting with High-Gloss Latex
High-gloss latex paint creates a durable, scrub-able
surface when properly applied to walls, trim work and furniture. The high-sheen
finish allows more light to bounce around your room, brightening it. Despite
the many advantages to high-gloss latex, it can be very difficult to apply
correctly. Even experienced painters often prefer semi-gloss paint because
of the exacting requirements of high-gloss latex. However, if you are
determined to use a high-gloss finish, patience and special care throughout the
process ensure a beautiful finished product.
Prep Work Is Key
Before you begin painting with high-gloss latex, you must
prepare your surfaces carefully. Scrape any loose paint or wallpaper and sand
down rough spots using a fine-grit sandpaper. Fill holes with an appropriate
fill -- wood filler for wooden walls or furniture, drywall compound for drywall
or plaster walls -- and sand the area smooth. Wash surfaces with a mixture of
1/2 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of water. Caulk any cracks between woodwork and
walls with a paintable caulk. Hand-sand the sheen from a very glossy surface
needing repainting.
Select the Right Applicator
Brushes and rollers are not created equal, even among
their peers. When painting with high-gloss latex, use the highest quality
applicators available, as there is no room for error with this sheen of paint.
Brushes are the most difficult to use for applying high-gloss latex, but if
your project demands it, select a brush with synthetic bristles that have
exploded tips. Select a synthetic roller cover with a 3/8-inch nap. Foam
rollers are also excellent for high-gloss latex -- they don't leave brush marks
and can fit into much tighter spots than traditional rollers.
Primer
Primer is an absolute necessity when working with
high-gloss latex. Many homeowners are confused about how to choose primer for
their projects and many omit it all together. Primer is designed to grab both
the new paint and the surface where it is being applied, bonding the two
surfaces firmly. When using high-gloss latex, an oil-based primer is your best
friend, especially if you are painting over an old oil-based paint job. In
fact, your latex paint won't stick well otherwise. Apply the primer of your
choice according to package directions, and allow it to dry completely before
checking once more for imperfections in the surface. Paint cannot fix surface
problems; it only serves to amplify them.
Thin Coats
Thin coats are key to success with high-gloss latex.
Using your applicator of choice, apply a thin coat of paint to the surface.
Watch your own work carefully, being sure to clean up any drips before they
have a chance to become tacky. Any bubbles or drips created out of negligence
must be sanded and painted again. It is vital that you allow the first coat to
dry fully before applying the second one. This may take 24 to 36 hours,
depending on the paint and its additives; check the paint can for cure times.
Apply the second coat only once you are certain the first is dry. Two coats of
paint should be sufficient for most colors, but if you still can see brush
strokes, apply a very thin third coat.
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