The Removal of Semi-Gloss Paint

Mix half a cup of trisodium phosphate powder with two gallons of water in a plastic bucket.

Dip the sponge into the trisodium phosphate solution. Wring out the sponge and scrub semi-gloss painted surface.

Rinse surface with clean, damp terry cloths.

Dry surface with fresh terry cloths.

Attach hose from the dustless wet-dry vacuum to the hose adapter on the dust-free electric orbital sander. Connect the vacuum hose to the adapter with both appliances unplugged.

Peel backing from a piece of 180-grit sandpaper. Press sandpaper onto the pad of the unplugged orbital sander.

Plug in sander and vacuum. Turn on the vacuum, and turn on the sander. Sand the semi-gloss painted surface to buff away the sheen and scuff the surface. Eliminating shine and roughing the surface will help fresh paint adhere without peeling.

Wipe down sanded surface with clean, damp terry cloths to remove dust left after sanding. Drywall dust ruins the finish on fresh, glossy paint. Touch sanded surface to check for residual dust. Wipe down sanded surface with damp terry cloths until dust is gone.