Asked on Oct 03, 2019

Can I reduce the sheen on a painted wall ?

Melody
by Melody

I just painted my kitchen using semi gloss paint but because I used such saturated color I find that it is too shiny? Is there a way to reduce the shine now that the wall is painted (without repainting it all with different paint - that is) or does anyone know how to remove sheen from paint?

  8 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 03, 2019

    Hello - Yes, Use sandpaper and sand it back in places or all over to get the effect you are happy with.

  • Joe Gemmill Joe Gemmill on Oct 03, 2019

    Any good paint store will sell a liquid deglosser that you wipe one with a rag. It's primarily designed to remove grease and gloss BEFORE you paint. Personally, I like the look of a little gloss in your kitchen and therefore EASY to clean. I would try the deglosser in a hidden area to see if you like the look, if you do it. It may be hard to get an even appearance.

    • Melody Melody on Oct 03, 2019

      I have always used semi gloss in the kitchen because it is so durable and easy to wipe down and clean. It never appeared so shiny before but with the dark color this time I can see all the little imperfections on the walls. Have you heard about giving it a very light sanding ? I have read about this online, but am a little apprehensive. I will keep your suggestion in my mind - thank you

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Oct 03, 2019

    There is also a product called liquid sandpaper. I've used it, but not to degloss semigloss on a wall. It isn't that expensive, and it is really easy to use. Check it out (I got mine at ACE hardware) and read the label to see if it might work for you.

  • Baxter Baxter on Oct 03, 2019

    Repaint. If you really can't live with the sheen, then the best remedy is to repaint. Repainting would be much easier than trying to sand---you could sand until the cows come home and never get the a uniform look. Deglosser might work but will not leave a nice wall finish. Repaint or maybe learn to enjoy the sheen. Good luck!

  • Rymea Rymea on Oct 03, 2019

    I don't think the gloss is the problem. The color combination is making the walls look brighter blue and the decor look oranger. It's because blue and orange are complementary colors. Would it take that much longer to repaint than to sand or use a deglosser? I don't think either of those would change the look anyway unless you sand the color completely off.

  • Joe Gemmill Joe Gemmill on Oct 03, 2019

    Not trying to be a smarty pants, but Liquid Sandpaper and "Sand Ban" and deglosser are the same thing. If the glossy look really bugged ME, I would not try to sand. Spots of previous paint would poke their faces! I would use a deglosser and repaint, although I respect your wishes to avoid that. :


  • William William on Oct 04, 2019

    Repaint. Sanding and deglossing won't work right and not worth the effort. You'd end up with a mess and forced to repaint anyway.

  • Hom8441574 Hom8441574 on Jul 08, 2021

    mix up a Spic and Span solution as directed, wipe walls with saturated cloth, or roll on with. Paint roller. Don’t rinse. This will dull the paint. Also works on too shiny vinyl textured wall covering.😛