Gloss paint is often used when repainting a surface but that does not mean it is always as straightforward as it needs to be.
You will want to prepare the surface to make sure the new coat of paint is going to stick and look even from all angles.
With this in mind, you have to start by learning about sanding gloss paint before repainting.
When sanding gloss paint before repainting, it’s best to wipe the surface with a clean cloth, use fine-grit sandpaper (180), scrub in a circular motion, and then repaint the surface.
If you use the wrong type of sandpaper, the surface may get disturbed and not do well when repainted. This is why the 180 fine-grit sandpaper is the way to go. It will offer good results and you will end up with a balanced finish.
This guide will show you more about sanding gloss paint before repainting and what to use during the process.
Table of Contents
Best Sandpaper For Paint (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
No products found.
Tips For Sanding Gloss Paint Before Repainting
1. Wipe The Surface Using A Cloth
Painting over gloss paint without sanding is never recommended.
You do want to prepare the surface when it comes to this type of paint. Otherwise, the repainted surface is going to look inconsistent and not as orderly as it needs to be.
Keeping this in mind, you will have to focus on clearing the surface before getting started on sanding gloss paint.
To do this, you are going to need a clean cloth.
This dry cloth will be used to wipe debris off of the surface. It is a good way to make sure when sanding gloss paint before repainting, the results are on par with what you need.
It’s always important to wipe from one end to the other for maximum results. The less time you take, the worse your results are going to be.
Be patient and methodical.

2. Use 180 Fine-Grit Sandpaper
Now it is time to start thinking about sanding gloss paint the right way.
To do this, you are going to use fine-grit sandpaper. It is best to use 180 fine-grit sandpaper as it will offer enough friction to produce good results without compromising the integrity of the gloss paint.
Anything higher than this is risky and you will end up damaging the surface. This is when repainting gloss paint at home becomes challenging.
Stick to this type of sandpaper and make sure it is as stable as it needs to be when used. A lot of people rush this step but it is essential as finding the right type of sandpaper will dictate how the project turns out.
3. Sand In A Circular Motion Only
With the 180 fine-grit sandpaper for sanding gloss paint, you will want to start incorporating it into the project.
How are you going to do this?
You will want to begin with a smaller area and use circular motions to sand the surface. This is going to give you a firm idea of how things will transpire as you begin to work your way towards the other end of the surface.
Continue to use this sandpaper and make sure you are as diligent as you can be.
It is the best way to make sure the finish is on par with what you have envisioned for the gloss paint.

4. Repaint The Surface
The last step is to repaint the surface.
You will always want to be meticulous while doing this and make sure the surface has been wiped to get rid of excess debris.
When the surface is as smooth as you want it to be, repainting will become easier. This is what you should be aiming for when moving forward with the project.
Always make sure you are applying paint evenly to get the desired result. This is key when it comes to gloss paint.
Final Thoughts
These tips will make sure you end up sanding gloss paint before repainting the right way.
When sanding gloss paint before repainting, start by wiping the surface using a cloth. Once the debris is removed, use 180 fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface, and wipe the debris again. Now, you can repaint the surface evenly.
The most important part of this process is how you sand the surface. Take your time with this step and always make sure you are moving the sandpaper in a circular motion. It will create a more robust finish.
If you do it in different directions, you might end up with an uneven surface or it will take longer to complete.
Be efficient with what you are doing and make sure to use the right type of sandpaper for the project at hand.
Read More On Paint: