So when I am painting do I need to gloss first?

If you’re planning to refresh your home’s look with a fresh coat of paint, you may wonder, When painting do you gloss first? Whether you’re painting walls, ceilings, doors, or trims, understanding the correct order of operations can save you time and ensure a professional-quality finish.

Gloss paint, with its shiny and durable finish, is often reserved for woodwork like doors, skirting boards, and trim. But should you gloss these areas before or after painting the walls and ceilings? We’ll break down the best practices for using gloss paint, discuss the correct painting order, and provide tips to achieve a flawless finish.

What Is Gloss Paint, and Where Is It Used?

Before deciding whether to gloss first or last, it’s essential to understand what gloss paint is and why it’s different from other types of paint.

Gloss paint has a shiny, reflective finish that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s available in oil-based or water-based varieties and is typically used on wood or metal surfaces due to its durability.

• Durability: Gloss is tough and resistant to moisture, making it great for areas that get a lot of wear, such as doors, window frames, and skirting boards.
• High Shine: The reflective surface of gloss paint adds a sleek, polished look to your home, making woodwork pop against matte or satin-finished walls.

Gloss paint is commonly applied to the following surfaces:

• Woodwork: Skirting boards, doors, frames, and window sills.
• Metal Surfaces: Gloss is also used on metal fixtures like radiators and stair rails.

Now, let’s answer the key question: should you apply gloss first or last in your painting process?

Should You Gloss First or Last?

When tackling a painting project, the general rule is to gloss last. Here’s why:

1. Avoid Paint Splashes and Overlaps

Painting your walls and ceilings first ensures that any accidental splashes or smudges won’t affect your carefully applied gloss finish. Gloss is typically used on smaller areas such as trims, doors, and skirting boards. If you paint these surfaces first and then move on to the larger wall areas, you risk overlapping the wall paint onto your glossed surfaces.

• Walls First: Start with the larger areas (like walls and ceilings) before moving on to the detailed work on trims and woodwork.
• Cleaner Lines: Glossing last ensures you can neatly tape off your freshly painted walls, creating clean, crisp lines on your woodwork.

2. Gloss Paint is More Difficult to Fix

Gloss paint dries to a harder finish than emulsion or satin paints, meaning it’s less forgiving if you accidentally paint over it. If you gloss first and later spill or smudge wall paint on it, it can be tricky to clean or fix without ruining the smooth gloss finish.

• Touch-Ups: By leaving gloss until last, you reduce the chances of needing to retouch the woodwork after the main painting is complete.

At A-Z Decorators, we understand that the painting order is essential to achieving the best results. Our professional decorators are experts in all types of painting jobs, from walls and ceilings to detailed gloss work on wood and metal surfaces. We use the highest quality materials to ensure a long-lasting, flawless finish every time. Not sure where to start? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us handle everything from surface preparation to the final gloss application, saving you time and ensuring professional results.

Best Order for Painting: A Step-by-Step Approach

If you’re handling the painting project yourself, following a step-by-step approach will help you achieve a flawless result. Here’s the recommended painting order:

1. Paint Ceilings First

Always start at the top—paint your ceiling before moving on to the walls. This prevents any ceiling drips or splatters from ruining freshly painted surfaces below.

• Use a Roller: For ceilings, use a roller with an extension pole for even coverage and less strain.
• Smooth Finish: Apply at least two coats, letting each dry thoroughly before the next.

2. Paint Walls Next

Once the ceiling is done, it’s time to move on to the walls. Use a roller for large areas and a brush to “cut in” along the edges and corners.

• Cutting In: Use an angled brush to carefully paint around window frames, door edges, and skirting boards.
• Apply Two Coats: For even coverage, always apply at least two coats of emulsion paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

3. Sand and Prime Woodwork

Before you apply gloss paint to your woodwork, it’s important to prepare the surfaces. Sanding helps smooth out any imperfections and ensures that the gloss adheres properly.

• Sanding: Lightly sand wood surfaces to create a smooth base.
• Priming: Apply a primer to bare wood or if you’re switching from a darker gloss to a lighter shade. This step helps the gloss stick better and creates a uniform finish.

4. Apply Gloss to Woodwork and Trims

Once your walls and ceiling are completely dry, it’s time to apply gloss paint to your woodwork. Be patient with gloss, as it requires precision for the best results.

• Use Small Brushes: A small, angled brush works best for applying gloss paint to trims, doors, and skirting boards.
• Smooth Application: Apply thin, even coats to avoid drips. Depending on the gloss you’re using, you may need two coats for full coverage.

5. Finish with Final Touches

After the paint has dried, inspect the room for any missed spots or touch-ups. Remove any painter’s tape and clean up the space.

• Touch-Up Any Imperfections: Use a small brush to touch up areas where the paint may have gone on too thin.
• Remove Tape: Gently remove painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly damp to avoid peeling the paint.

Why Gloss Last?

By glossing last, you ensure that your woodwork is protected from accidental splashes and that your final result has clean lines. This method also simplifies the painting process, making touch-ups easier and reducing the risk of damaging freshly painted surfaces.

Conclusion

So, when painting, do you gloss first? No, gloss should always come last. Painting your walls and ceilings first allows for easier application and protects your woodwork from unintended splashes. Whether you’re repainting a single room or tackling a whole-house makeover, following the correct order ensures a high-quality, professional finish. For more decorating advice, explore our blog on Can Painters and Decorators Repair Wall Damages? or check out What Are The Benefits of Using A Decorator for Wallpapering.