How to Paint Semi-Gloss Walls

Choose the type of paint before choosing a color.

With about ten different kinds of paint finishes available, semi-gloss is still one of the most popular finishes. It has a mild luster to it, without being too shiny. It is also very easy to clean and maintains its shine through repeated cleanings. Semi-gloss paint is a good choice for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Since this paint is not as shiny as a high gloss, it hides many surface imperfections. The paint may seem thin when it is being applied, but that is one of the characteristics of semi-gloss paint.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Paint
• Paint roller
• Brushes
• Pan

Instructions

Instructions

1. Prepare the surfaces that are getting painted. Remove wallpaper and glue from walls. If wood is being painted, rough up the surface a bit with some fine grit sandpaper. The primer and paint cannot stick to glossy surfaces. Remove electrical outlet and switch covers.

2. Mask off anything that the wall is touching that is not being painted. This could be window frames, baseboards or door frames. Mask over electrical outlets and switches.

3. Paint the walls with primer. Primer is what helps the paint stick to the walls. If a darker paint is being used later, home stores will tint the primer so that fewer coats of paint are needed. If any primer gets on a surface where it is not wanted, wipe it up immediately. It is very tough to remove after it has dried. Let the primer dry completely before painting.

4. Paint the walls. Since semi-gloss paint is a bit thinner than flat or satin paint, it may take a couple of coats. Colors like deep reds, browns or oranges may take even more coats. Roll the paint on the walls in a W pattern, coming back and filling in with alternating strokes. Use long stokes, from top to bottom, to ensure even coverage. Cut edges in with a paintbrush after using a roller on the main wall area. Let dry between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to let paint dry between coats; otherwise the new coat will lift the old one off in places.