How to Reduce Semi-Gloss Sheen on a Semi-Smooth Wall

Semi-gloss paint is widely used in the kitchen, living room and bathroom because of its gentler sheen and ease of care and cleaning. However, you might run into a snag when attempting to repaint the wall with a flat or eggshell paint, both of which feature a duller finish than semi-gloss. A process called “deglossing” must be performed before the first drop of primer or paint touches the existing semi-gloss-covered semi-smooth wall.

1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent
1/2 gallon warm water
Large kitchen sponges
Painter's tape
600- to 800-grit sandpaper
Handheld sander
Tack cloth
Hand vac or standing vacuum with hose

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the walls with a combination of 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent and 1/2 gallon of warm water. Dampen a large kitchen sponge with the mixture and wipe down the walls to remove any fingerprints, grease, grime or dust. Use a separate damp kitchen sponge to wipe away the soapy residue.
- 2
  Allow the wall to dry completely before masking the wall’s trim with painter’s tape. Insert a piece of 600- to 800-grit sandpaper into a handheld sander and begin to work it over the walls. Start at one corner of the room and work your way over to avoid working over the same section twice.
- 3
  Continue to abrade the walls with the handheld sander, paying attention to removing the paint’s glossy finish, while avoiding damage to the wall itself.
- 4
  Wipe away the resulting sanding dust with a tack cloth. Use a hand vac or a standing vacuum’s hose attachment to remove the remaining dust from the floor and walls.

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