What Kind of Sandpaper Do I Use for High-Gloss Interior Walls?

About High-gloss Interior Paint

• High-gloss interior paints are alkyd or latex compounds that create a high sheen on the paint surface and a tough, washable surface that resists stains, fingerprints and dirt. High-gloss paint is often used in high-traffic areas and areas that may experience a great deal of touching. Door and window trim is often painted with high-gloss alkyd paint as a shield against dirt and oils from contact with hands. High-gloss paint is also used for certain dramatic effects for walls to provide light-and-shadow effects, according to the Behr Paint website.

Latex or Alkyd?

• The high-gloss sheen comes in both latex and oil-based, or alkyd, paints. Latex paints are easier to apply, easier to clean up and generally have less odor than alkyd paints. Alkyd paints are usually applied in high-use areas and last longer, with greater washing capability.

Covering High-gloss Paint

• High-gloss alkyd paint presents special problems when trying to paint over it with a latex-type paint. The high-gloss surface does not give good adhesion to the thinner, more flexible vinyl or acrylic in latex paint, causing problems in how the different paint layers bond together.

Preparation of High-gloss Surfaces

• You must dull the sheen on high-gloss alkyd paints to provide good adhesion. Without proper surface preparation, the latex paint may peel or bubble off the surface. Good surface preparation requires washing the wall or trim to remove surface dirt, grease and other residues. Generally, trisodium phosphate, also called TSP, is used to wash walls prior to painting. This is a strong cleaning compound that improves the surface and can help with dulling high-gloss surfaces. The recommended dulling process usually uses fine sandpaper to lightly abrade the surface of the high-gloss paint in a uniform manner. You must use a long-handled sander to reach all areas of the wall surface to dull the paint evenly. Generally, a 150-grit sandpaper is used for this purpose, according to the House Painting Info website. A 200-grit sandpaper can also be used to abrade high-gloss paint.