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Eggshell over gloss query
Anonymous user 15/12/2025 - 8.32 AM
My decorator accidentally painted gloss over my woodwork … it was meant to be eggshell paint.. can he just paint over it with eggshell or need to sand it ?
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8 Answers
London prime GAS &Heating& plumbing
Rating: 5 out of 5
It’s need to be sanded first.
Answered14 December 2025
2
Property Prep Detailing
No reviews yet
Has to be sanded first, cleaned and wiped, than he may re-apply the paint
Answered14 December 2025
2
D R Lambert Plastering
Rating: 5 out of 5
I would definitely not paint straight over it! the result would be disastrous and you wouldn’t get a professional finish!!
1. Lightly sand the gloss.
2. Use a reputable product like Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer.
3. Repaint with your chosen eggshell.
Answered13 December 2025
1
Anonymous user
He should lightly sand the gloss first, then prime, then paint with eggshell. Painting eggshell straight over gloss won’t stick properly.
Answered13 December 2025
1
RR & E Painting
Rating: 5 out of 5
If gloss has already been applied to the woodwork, it should not be painted over directly with eggshell.
The correct and professional approach is:
• Lightly sand the gloss finish to create a proper key (no need to strip it back fully)
• Clean and degrease the surface
• Apply a suitable adhesion primer (such as a shellac-based or bonding primer)
• Then apply the eggshell finish
Painting eggshell straight over gloss without preparation can cause poor adhesion, visible defects and peeling over time. Proper preparation is essential for a durable and professional finish.
Answered15 December 2025
0
Lidgey's Property Maintenance
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Hi. It's not a problem. If the eggshell is oil based and the gloss is oil based there should be no issue simply applying another layer of paint.
The problem would be if one were oil based and the other water based. In this case oil and water don't mix and more preparation would be needed. Or, if the gloss work is old and fully cured it would then benefit from a light sand to provide a key for the new paint.
Answered15 December 2025
0
Woodsketch Ltd
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 You need to send it first
2 you need to use the right primer for the surface make sure it 100% dry
3 apply the first coat send it gently to make sure it's smooth no lumps and then apply the second coat for the best finish I prefer the last quote with the soft or spongy roller not with a brush
Answered15 December 2025
0
Sam's Handyman and Landscaping Services
Rating: 5 out of 5
Don't paint over it. Ideally send as much of the good off. Smooth the area with fine sanding then paint. Probably be a good idea to use a primer first just to hide any bits of gloss missed.
Answered15 December 2025
0