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

Clean the newly deglossed walls with soapy water before applying a new primer or paint.

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.

Things You'll Need

• 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask while sanding the semi-gloss walls.