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Gloss paint is a highly reflective and durable coating with a shiny finish. It comes in both oil-based and water-based forms. It makes a smooth reflecting coat that allows light to shine and enhances the appearance of walls and furniture. Gloss paint contains more than 75% sheen level, making it one of the brightest types of paint. It resists stain, moisture, and scratches with a glossy finish, making it perfect for walls, trims, doors, furniture, and crafts. Gloss paint is commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-use areas. Gloss paint also gives polished and modern finishes to surfaces.
The following are the 5 common types of gloss paint:
| Type | Base | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based Gloss | Alkyd or synthetic oils | Durable, rich finish, longer drying time |
| Water-Based Gloss | Acrylic or latex | Quick-drying, low odor, easier to clean |
| Enamel Gloss Paint | Oil or water-based | Hard, glossy, long-lasting finish |
| Polyurethane Gloss | Polyurethane resin | Tough, chemical-resistant, often for wood/metal |
| Spray Gloss Paint | Aerosol | Quick touch-ups on small surfaces, DIY use |
Oil-based gloss paint provides a hard, smooth, and tough finish. It suits doors, trim, and metal surfaces because it sticks easily and does not wear out. It dries slowly but gives a rich, long-lasting gloss finish.
Water-based gloss paint is fast-drying, less fuming, and washable. It is commonly applied to interior walls, woodwork, and furnishings. It does not change color, turning yellow, and keeps a bright, smooth look.
Enamel gloss paint produces a smooth, hard, and glossy surface. It is waterproof and resistant to heat and thus is ideal on kitchen cabinets, bathroom walls, and on the outside facing wood or metal surfaces. It is ideal for high foot traffic areas where toughness and waterproofing are essential.
Polyurethane gloss paint is useful because it not only provides gloss but also provides protection. It is also usually used on wooden furniture and flooring. It helps to resist scratches, water, and chemicals, and also enhances the natural color of a surface.
Spray gloss paint gives a smooth and even surface with no brushstrokes. It is ideal in small-scale projects, craftworks, and difficult-to-reach places. It can be easily applied and produces a glossy appearance.
Below are the 2 main steps to get a smooth and reflective gloss paint finish:
Carefully clean the surface to get rid of dust, grease, or old flaking paint. Sand it smooth to make a smooth foundation and enable the gloss paint to have good sticking. Apply a primer that is suitable for gloss finishes, especially on porous or uneven surfaces, to give the best results. Remove the dust particles with a tack cloth before painting.
Apply with a brush, foam roller, or spray to achieve a smooth finish. Use thin and smooth layers to remove the marks of the brush. It takes 1 hour to dry between coatings. Gloss paint takes 24 hours to cure completely to give a hard and reflective surface.
Here are the populat gloss paint colors:
| Color Name | Color Family | Finish Look (Gloss) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure White | Neutral | Clean, high-reflective | Trims, doors, cabinets, ceilings |
| Jet Black | Neutral/Dark | Bold, sleek, high-contrast | Doors, metal gates, accent walls |
| Navy Blue | Cool | Deep, rich gloss | Accent walls, cabinetry, exterior details |
| Charcoal Grey | Neutral/Cool | Sophisticated, modern | Doors, trims, office spaces |
| Cherry Red | Warm | Vibrant, attention-grabbing | Furniture, front doors, feature elements |
| Emerald Green | Cool | Luxurious, elegant | Cabinets, furniture, artistic trims |
| Beige/Cream | Warm Neutral | Soft and subtle sheen | Interior walls, hallways, trims |
| Sky Blue | Cool | Light, refreshing | Bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ furniture |
| Soft Pink | Warm | Gentle glow | Bedrooms, decorative furniture |
| Chocolate Brown | Warm | Earthy, rich tone | Woodwork, doors, railings |
Here are the custom finishes for gloss paint:
| Finish Name | Description | Appearance | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metallic Finish | Infused with metallic flakes or powders | Shiny, reflective, light-catching | Accent walls, furniture, trims |
| Pearlescent Finish | Subtle, iridescent glow with a soft shimmer | Shimmery, elegant | Bedrooms, feature walls, luxury interiors |
| Textured Finish | Creates a tactile, 3D surface with rollers or tools | Rough, patterned, grainy | Exterior walls, rustic interiors, hallways |
| Stucco Finish | Plaster-based texture with a rough-to-smooth feel | Antique, Mediterranean-style look | Villas, facades, columns |
| Marble/Marbling Effect | Simulates the natural veining and texture of marble | High-end, polished stone effect | Lobbies, showrooms, upscale bathrooms |
| Sponge Finish | Applied using a sponge for a multi-toned, dappled texture | Cloudy or stone-like pattern | Artistic walls, faux finishes |
| Brushed Pearl | Soft brush strokes with a satin sheen | Subtle linear shimmer | Bedrooms, powder rooms, high-end decor walls |
| Granite Finish | Contains granules or quartz-like chips | Stone-texture appearance | External surfaces, commercial buildings |
| Silk/Satin Sheen | Ultra-smooth, luxurious feel with soft luster | Elegant and clean | Living rooms, master bedrooms |
| Glow-in-the-Dark | Emits light in darkness after light exposure | Soft greenish glow | Kids' rooms, ceilings, murals |
| Chalkboard Paint | Turns walls into writable chalkboard surfaces | Matte, writable, functional | Kids' rooms, kitchens, offices |
Yes, you can paint emulsion over distemper, but first apply an oil-based primer on the surface. The direct application causes poor sticking and peeling. The emulsion also stays longer when the surface is properly prepared.
Scrape off or brush away the loose paint with a scraper or a stiff brush. Clean the surface using soapy water. When the distemper is thick, wet the wall so that it becomes soft and scrape it off.
No, distemper paints are not toxic. When sanding the surface, always use a mask to prevent inhaling the dried distemper.
The average lifespan of distemper paint is 3 to 5 years. It depends on the surface material, care, humidity, and sun exposure. High-traffic or moist areas require repainting earlier.
