Anyone with children can tell you that cleaning walls can be an arduous task. Between sticky fingers, crayon masterpieces, and the occasional mystery smudge, it doesn’t take long before walls start showing signs of life (sometimes a little too clearly).
Walls with flat paint tend to hide a lot of flaws, which is one reason builders often choose it for new homes. Flat paint doesn’t reflect light, so uneven drywall patches, nail pops, and other imperfections are less noticeable. The downside? Flat paint is notoriously difficult to clean. Even a gentle scrub can leave shiny spots or cause the paint to wear away, leaving you with a blotchy wall.
It might seem like the natural solution is to go in the opposite direction and use gloss or high-gloss paint on your walls. After all, glossy finishes are easier to wipe clean. But here’s the catch: unless you’re painting an operating room, this can be an overcorrection. While flat paint hides imperfections, gloss paint highlights them. Every little bump, dent, or uneven joint will stand out.
Plus, high-gloss paint isn’t a “quick slap it on” kind of project. It requires careful prep work—filling holes, sanding surfaces smooth, and priming if necessary—to make sure it adheres correctly and looks flawless. Without that prep, the shine will only draw more attention to the problems you were hoping to cover.
For most interior walls, an eggshell finish is the sweet spot. It’s durable, washable, and forgiving when it comes to surface imperfections. It also requires less prep than gloss while still giving you a nice, soft sheen. If you’re not sure about the differences in sheen, check out our blog on primer and finishes where we dive into more details.
But that leaves the question: When should you use glossy paint?
When to Use Glossy Paints
Gloss and high-gloss paints can be stunning when used intentionally. Because they reflect light so well, they’re perfect for creating focal points or adding drama to certain elements in your home.
1. Furniture Makeovers
If you have a tired dresser, table, or bookshelf that needs a fresh look, a coat of glossy paint can make it stand out. Pairing a bold color with a glossy finish can instantly transform a piece into the star of the room. Imagine a deep navy side table or a sleek emerald green console with a high-shine finish—suddenly, it’s not just furniture, it’s a statement piece.
2. Accent Pieces
Gloss works beautifully on smaller accents like picture frames, mirrors, lamp bases, or decorative shelves. The shine catches the eye and can add a modern touch to traditional décor. These smaller projects are also great for experimenting with gloss if you’ve never used it before, which allows for lower risk and high reward.
3. Cabinets
High-gloss cabinets are a favorite among those who love a modern, polished look in kitchens and bathrooms. A glossy finish can make cabinets feel clean, sleek, and updated without the cost of a full remodel. And since cabinets are often in high-use areas, the washability of gloss comes in handy.
Tips for Working with Glossy Paint
Before you dive into your gloss project, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Prep is Everything
Glossy paint will not hide imperfections, it will magnify them. That means surfaces should be clean, smooth, and ready to shine. For wood surfaces, sanding is essential, and after sanding, always wipe down with a tack cloth to remove dust. Even tiny specks can stand out once the paint dries.
Choose the Right Brush (or Roller)
Gloss shows brush strokes more than any other finish, so using the right tools matters. Look for high-quality brushes labeled for use with gloss or enamel paints. If you’re rolling a surface, use a foam roller for the smoothest finish.
Don’t Skimp on Paint
Thin coats can lead to streaks, while overloaded brushes can cause drips. Aim for an even coat and keep a “wet edge” as you work to prevent lap marks.
Avoid Stopping Mid-Section
With gloss, stopping halfway through a surface (like the middle of a cabinet door) can create visible lines where the paint dried at different times. Always finish the section you’re working on before taking a break.
Allow Proper Dry Time
Glossy paint can be tricky to judge when it’s dry, especially in Georgia’s humid climate. It may look dry but still be tacky to the touch. Always test in an inconspicuous spot before moving or reassembling painted items. When in doubt, let it dry overnight indoors.
Bonus: Fun Ways to Use Gloss Creatively
If you love the look of gloss but don’t want a whole room of shiny surfaces, try these creative touches:
- Two-Tone Walls: Use matte or eggshell paint on the main wall and a glossy version of the same color on an accent stripe for subtle dimension.
- Doors with Drama: Paint interior doors in a glossy finish for a pop of elegance.
- Glossy Ceilings: In small rooms like powder baths, a high-gloss ceiling can make the space feel taller and more dramatic.
Let the Pros Handle the Shine
The right paint—whether matte, eggshell, or gloss—can completely transform your home. But when it comes to high-gloss projects, a steady hand, careful prep, and the right tools make all the difference in achieving that flawless, mirror-like finish.
If you’re ready to upgrade your space, save yourself the time and stress by letting our family take care of it for you. At Three Brothers Painting, we treat every project like it’s in our own home, because we know how important the details are.
Call us today to schedule your free quote and let’s make your home shine—literally.