How to Remove Semi-Gloss Paint From a Flat Painted Wall

Scrap off the semi-gloss and flat paint using a painter's heat gun.

If you have painted a wall in your home with flat paint -- also called matte paint -- then later painted over the matte finish with a semi-gloss paint, you may be wondering how you can remove the top, glossy layer. Once the paint has dried completely, your only option for removing the semi-gloss paint is to remove it using a heat gun and a scraper. Keep in mind this is a time-consuming yet effective process.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• Heat gun used for removing paint
• Paint scraper

Instructions

1. Spread out a tarp to catch the paint chips that fall off the wall and paint scraper.

2. Turn on the heat gun and blow it on a patch of the wall as you would blow a hair dryer. Move it back and forth about two inches away from the painted wall until the paint begins to bubble up.

3. Scrape off the warmed paint with a paint scraper. Repeat the heating and scraping process until the semi-gloss paint sufficiently is removed from the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that the flat paint likely will be removed from the wall with the semi-gloss paint.

• Turn off the gun if it begins to smoke.

References

• The Home Depot: Using a Heat Gun