Decent gloss paint will provide many years of internal wood treatment. The glossing paint range in the UK is mixed, there are some good brands but the majority of gloss paint sold in the UK are useless and not worth the time and effort.
Painting skirting boards, doors, spindles, newell posts and architraves can be a tedious job because preparation is key and that takes time!
After sanding, filling and stripping your wooden features you want to use a product that looks good.
Good gloss paint will complete a decorating job and make it look sharp and professional. But what type of gloss paint is best for internal woods?
Choosing The Right Gloss
Choosing a gloss paint for a novice can be difficult especially if you do not know what you’re looking at or have never used the brand before!
Gloss paint should be high shine and water-based for more impressive results.
- Never use one coat gloss
- Always undercoat before glossing
A one-coat gloss is designed to go straight onto sanded wood, but the results are NEVER as good when compared to undercoating and glossing.
It just cannot achieve the results from a two-layer undercoat and a final coat of high-quality gloss!
The Best Gloss Paints – Revealed
Listed below are our favourite gloss lines that will not disappoint because we use them still to this day.
They come in all different colours, high shine, brilliant white and will make your wooden accessories around the house pop.
1) Dulux – Brilliant White
The Dulux range has a wide variety of individual paint lines, some are excellent but others can be hit or miss!
We have chosen their brilliant white gloss because it is a water-based formula, low odour and will not yellow after a few months!
We have been using this gloss line for many years because it makes your wooden accessories pop-out when dry.
When we say its brilliant white we mean it holds the colour, giving your paint job sharp lines that will last for many years!
- Quick dry
- Undercoat needed
- 1-hour touch dry
- Brilliant white
- All wooden accessories
- Other colours available
2) Johnstone’s – High Sheen White
Coming in second place is the Johnstones wood and metal gloss.
If Dulux is not a product you want to use then next in line is the Johnstones high sheen white gloss. It’s another solid paint that does not disappoint.
Once you have applied two coats of undercoat on sanded timber using this gloss as a finishing coat will make your work look amazing.
Although this brand can cause dizziness so be sure to ONLY paint in a well-ventilated area.
- Quick dry
- x 2 Undercoat needed
- 1-hour touch dry
- Brilliant white – high sheen
- Metal & wood accessories
- Other colours available
3) Crown – Quick DRY Gloss
The Crown gloss line is a water-based mixture based on many years of research by this huge company.
This award-winning paint line does not disappoint and will not yellow because it’s water-based with premium ingredients used in this gloss formula.
Crown paints are a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts because it dries quick, high sheen and bright white making your painting stand out and look great.
- Quick dry
- x 2 Undercoat needed
- 2-hour touch dry
- Brilliant white – high sheen
- Wood accessories
- various colours available
Preparing Your Wood For Glossing
Preparation is key to a solid paint job when glossing. If you are painting fresh wood then you will need to fine sand, apply two layers of undercoat and then you can gloss.
But if you’re renovating an older property then you must take as much of the old gloss off as possible. If you are just going to gloss on gloss then you will find that in a few months your gloss will start to peel away.
To avoid peeling gloss you must sand/scrape the top layers of gloss and undercoat away. You do not have to take the paint right back to wood, just enough to create a key for your layers of undercoat to dry against.
- Paint with a fine brush (not nylon)
- Always go with the grain of the wood
- Apply two coats of undercoat
- Revisit previously painted surfaces for drips
- Run the gloss out do not let it form drips
Glossing F.A.Q
Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions about glossing.
Should I Gloss First Or Last?
Gloss should be done last because it’s a finishing coat. Some DIY enthusiasts gloss first and then cut onto the gloss!
The correct way for the best results is to gloss last when the walls, floors and ceilings are done. This gives you a sharper finish, but you will need a steady hand and a good sharp brush.
Can I Use A Roller To Apply Gloss?
Yes, if you are painting doors that have been undercoated then glossing can be applied with a small radiator roller.
It’s quicker but can be a disaster if you are consistent with a roller, do not keep going over and over because it will run and look terrible.
With a paintbrush, you have more control and can spread the gloss out so it does not run and drip.
Rollers are only good for flat doors, do not use a roller for skirting boards, staircases or picture rails. You need to take your time and use a decent paintbrush that is fine and does not cause brush marks.
Should I Undercoat Before Glossing?
Yes, if you do not undercoat gloss then you might as well not start painting. An undercoat does all the work, the gloss just adds colour.
So paying a lot of attention when you undercoat is the foundation for a good paint job. We recommend you apply two layers of undercoat before you start glossing.
If you do not undercoat then you will see the wood suck up the gloss and make your gloss transparent.
Conclusion
Glossing takes time and can be the most tedious type of painting in the home.
But, it’s also the most important because it makes a paint job if your not undercoating and just slapping a one-coat gloss everywhere then do not expect great results.
Happy Glossing 😉