Gloss Paint

When it comes to decorating your home, there’s more you need to consider than just the perfect colour. Whether you are touching up your skirting or renovating a bedroom door, knowing which kind of paint to use from the go will avoid any costly mistakes and achieve the best final result for your project. 

Paints come in a range of different types and finishes, one of the most common being gloss. In the guidance section below, we’ll discuss all things gloss to help you decide if this popular paint finish sounds just right for the job.  

So what actually is gloss paint? The word ‘gloss’ is referring to the sheen intensity of the paint. The higher the level of sheen in a paint finish, the more reflective and shiny it will look. As a gloss finish reflects a lot of light, it appears to be the shiniest.  

But, what’s so good about a shiny paint finish? Well, ahead of giving a beautifully smooth sheen to your woodwork, doors, trims and frames, gloss paint also provides excellent durability and long-lasting resilience in its finish so is ideal for application in even the busiest areas of your home. It also performs very well in high-humidity spots so can be used with no problem throughout kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites. 

Gloss paint can be applied via brush, roller or spray after correctly smoothing and prepping the chosen surface. There are a stunning variety of gloss colours on the market, ranging from eye-catching reds, blues and greens to neutral creams, whites and greys. Perfect for creating a clean and attractive glow, gloss paint will instantly refurbish even the most tired-looking surfaces in an instant.  

A truly versatile paint type, gloss can be used on all manner of interior woodwork and metal from doors, furniture and sills to trims, skirting boards and window frames. With the correct preparation, gloss can also be used on walls to create a stylishly reflective and easy-to-clean wall surface. It’s really down to personal preference where you choose to apply your gloss paint, however, we always recommend that you double-check the type you’ve chosen is suitable for use to avoid any issues.  

Gloss paint comes in a variety of different forms. Solvent-based gloss is trusted for its robust durability and smooth application to both metal and wood. Water-based gloss paints are very easy to apply, quick-drying and tend to create a more ‘sheen’ like finish rather than ‘shiny’. The water-based formulation also generates a less overwhelming smell on application.   

The type of gloss you choose will really depend on how you plan to use it. For example, liquid gloss forms a high-shine finish that is very durable and dirt-resistant. Liquid glosses do, however, require an undercoat and should typically be left overnight before applying a second coat.

Satinwood paints are not as durable as traditional glosses but do still form a pretty hard-wearing surface that offers a more subtle sheen appearance. Once gloss paints are a single coat paint which means they don’t require an undercoat and can be easily applied over an existing painted surface to create a fresh, clean look.  

Many homeowners have found that gloss works excellently as an exterior paint, forming a weather and waterproof finish once dried. To use gloss paint in the garden, it is important that the correct precautions are taken with undercoating, sealing etc. Preparation really is key when it comes to gloss paint, so as long as the surface is appropriately prepped then you’ll achieve far smoother results with both internal and external application. To prep your surfaces perfectly, take a look through our top-grade range of primers and undercoats ready to add to your basket here.  

We do once again advise that you always refer to manufacturer’s guidance to ensure that your chosen gloss paint is suitable for exterior use and follow any instructions.  

The level of sheen in paint can have a significant impact on the way your chosen colour looks when dry. High gloss paints are very shiny and reflective, which can often make colours look darker than if a low-sheen or matte paint was used. To avoid applying a colour that isn’t what you actually really want, we suggest testing your gloss paint on a small section of the surface before committing to the entire application.