How to Minimize the Gloss After Using a High Gloss Stain

Applying a high gloss varnish or finish to your craft or wood project produces a shiny top coat. However, the finished sheen may be glossier than expected and a duller look is desired instead. As most varnishes and stains are permanent, there's no quick fix to reduce the gloss of your varnish. Painting a low sheen finish over the high gloss is a possibility, but may fade the final color or alter the result. The only sure method of minimizing gloss is to remove the glossy varnish and reapply a new finish.

Sanding block
Sandpaper (rough, medium, fine)
Low gloss polyurethane or varnish
Paint deglosser or stripper (optional)
Paintbrush
Dust mask
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a work area, preferably outside or in a garage where you can sand off the glossy varnish. Wear a dust mask and have a vacuum or broom handy.
- 2
  Place the roughest sandpaper (usually a 60 grain) onto your sanding block and begin sanding with the grain. Use a clean rag to wipe off dust after sanding.
- 3
  Remove the rough paper from the sander and repeat sanding with medium grain sandpaper. Wipe the dust clean again, then repeat the process with fine sandpaper. (You may want to use an electric sander for large projects).
- 4
  Wipe the final layer of dust off the project with a clean and damp rag. If sanding is too arduous and faster results are desired, liquid deglossers or chemical paint strippers are available to remove varnish. Use the deglossers per manufacturer's instructions, as they need to be applied carefully and products may vary.
- 5
  Inspect the project to make sure that the glossy finish is removed. Apply a new coat of low gloss polyurethane or other matted finish with a paintbrush. Low gloss varnishes are also available in spray can formats, which can reduce application time.

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