Removing Gloss

Glossy paints dry to hard, nonporous surface, therefore it is almost impossible for new paint to adhere effectively. Glossy surfaces lack what painters call "tooth,: or roughness, which gives the paint something to stick to. It does not take much to create tooth; A light sanding or use of a chemical deglosser will do the trick. When the surface has dulled and ceases to be reflective, it is ready to paint.

To detect gloss, use a bright light with a reflector to shield your eyes.

Fill gaps with trim and baseboards with paintable caulk ; after drying, sand all glossy areas lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding block for flat surfaces, a brass-wire brush for fluted surfaces. 

Remove the sanding or brushing residue with a damp rag or tack cloth.

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