Painting directly over old glossy or semi-gloss paint often leads to poor adhesion, peeling, or an uneven finish. In 2026, following the correct preparation steps makes it possible to successfully paint over shiny surfaces and achieve a long-lasting result.
Steps to Paint Over Glossy Walls
- Clean Thoroughly
Remove dirt, grease, and residues so the surface is completely clean. - Sand the Surface
Lightly sand to dull the gloss and create a key for the new paint to grip. - Wipe Away Dust
Remove all sanding dust before priming. - Apply a Suitable Bonding Primer
Use a primer designed for glossy or difficult surfaces. - Apply the Topcoat
Once the primer is fully dry, apply your chosen Prestige finish in thin, even coats.
Extra Tip
Skipping the sanding and priming steps is the most common reason paint fails on glossy walls.
Planning to paint over old glossy walls?
Send us photos of the surface → we’ll recommend the best preparation method and Prestige products, plus free A4 samples.