Painting Over Glossy Walls

Measure each wall you intend to paint. Knowing how much wall area you need to cover will help you to purchase paint accurately. Multiply the length of the wall by the height to determine the total square feet. Measure doors and windows, too. Subtract the combined square feet of the doors and windows from the total square feet of the wall; the result equals the number of square feet to paint.

Wipe the walls thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove surface dust and dirt. Use a putty knife and spackling compound to fill cracks or imperfections in the wall surface. Smooth out repairs with fine-grit sandpaper and clean off all powdery residue after you make the wall repairs. Wall paint bonds better on walls that have a clean surface.

Spread a drop cloth in front of the wall. Snug it up as close as possible to the baseboard, or bottom edge of the wall, and secure it in place with 6-inch strips of masking tape. This helps avoid tripping accidents. Purchase fabric or plastic drop cloths at hardware stores.

Apply primer to the walls with a 4-inch wide paintbrush. Glossy walls often have stains or color that may show through a new coat of paint. A coat of primer prevents this from happening and helps create a durable bond between the paint and the wall surface. Paint along the wall where it abuts the ceiling and work toward the wall edges. Follow the edge of the wall down toward the bottom and across the baseboard. This process, called cutting in, creates an edging around the perimeter of the wall.

Paint the remaining wall areas with a roller. Use one that has a short nap, or cover, for a smoother finish. Roll from the top toward the bottom and use vertical strokes. Be wary of drips and dribbles that happen if you overload the roller. Extra glossy walls may need two coats of primer. Allow at least two hours for the primer to dry.

Apply the paint to the walls and follow the same procedures you used for applying the primer. Make sure to use paint that has the same make-up as the primer. For example, if you prime the walls with a water-based primer, use a water-based paint. If you use an oil-based primer, use an oil-based paint; this ensures a stronger adhesion between the two. Let the paint dry at least four hours and apply a second coat if needed.