Do You Have to Prime Before Painting Over a Glossy Paint?

About Primer

• Primer is typically the first layer added to a surface when you intend on painting something. The purpose of paint primer is to provide a smooth, even surface for painting. It also helps to repel dirt, water, grease and smoke stains that can interfere with your paint job. Primer will help paint better adhere to your item, keeping the paint's final coat looking new for longer.

Glossy Paint Basics

• Glossy, or gloss, paint leaves a clean, shiny finish on front doors and other outdoor wooden items. Gloss is also used on cabinets. Semigloss paint, on the other hand, provides a bit of glow but is a bit more subtle. According to the experts at Kassel Painting, gloss works well on older wooden items and shows more flaws than traditional paint.

Do I Need Primer?

• When you have an item already coated with gloss, Dutch Boy recommends sanding the paint off the item rather than painting over that glossy layer. A good primer will not get the item to have the dull, flat finish recommended by paint manufacturers as a starting base. Start by sanding the glossy paint layer rather than priming it.

Additional Tips

• When using paints, primers and sanders, cover your mouth and nose with a mask so you don't inhale harmful dust or fumes. Thoroughly clean the surface of whatever you are attempting to prime. With so many types of primers available, you might ask an expert at your local paint or hardware store for advice.