Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Painting & Decorating

Which Gloss paint

Anonymous user 03/08/2026 - 7.58 AM

Looking for best water based gloss to use on previously gloss painted woodwork, don't know what type of gloss was used before. What preparation needed too, just rub down & paint or undercoat first. Many thanks

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

8 Answers

CRP Total Decorators

Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Kettering
Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss or Johnstone’s Aqua Gloss are very good options for woodwork. Preparation: 1. Clean the surface (sugar soap if needed). 2. Lightly sand the existing gloss to dull it. 3. Wipe off dust. 4. Apply one coat of water-based undercoat (recommended if you don’t know the old paint type). 5. Apply 2 coats of water-based gloss.
Answered29 March 2026
2

Florin Radulescu

No reviews yet

Derby
If you are using water-based gloss over old gloss paint, preparation is very important. First, clean the surface and lightly sand it to remove the shine and help adhesion. Then apply an undercoat or primer, especially if you’re not sure what was used before. After that, apply 2 coats of water-based gloss for a smooth and durable finish. Proper prep makes a big difference in the final result.
Answered31 July 2026
2

Alex

No reviews yet

Putney, London
Hello! for a medium budget you can use undercoat from dulux quick dry (2.5l 45£) and satinwood for final coat dulux (2.5l 45£), rub all the wood with 240 grit paper, until you reach a smooth result to the touch, then extract the dust with a vacuum cleaner, then with a slightly damp cloth the remaining dust, use caulk for holes if needed.. of course you let it dry and then start applying undercoat and start the rubbing process again, and finally after it is clean, apply satinwood. Good luck if it is useful to you
Answered7 April 2026
1

Adrian Bunea

Rating: 5 out of 5
Cheadle
Materials you’ll need for the job (all easy to grab from Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q or Wickes): - Sugar soap (or TSP substitute) + sponge/cloth for cleaning - 180–220 grit sandpaper or sanding sponge - Tack cloth or clean damp microfibre cloth (for dust removal) - Water-based undercoat/primer (strongly recommended – see below) - Your chosen water-based gloss or satin paint (2 thin coats) - High-quality synthetic gloss/satin brush (e.g. Purdy or Hamilton 2–3 inch) - Dust sheets, masking tape, and optional filler for any holes/cracks Total extra cost for materials beyond paint: about £15–25. Real preparation steps (adds 30–60 mins but makes it last years): - Clean thoroughly. Mix sugar soap in warm water, scrub the woodwork to remove grease, polish and dust. Rinse with clean water and let dry fully (a few hours). - Rub down/sand. Lightly sand with 180–220 grit to remove the shine and create a “key”. Don’t go back to bare wood unless flaking. Wipe all dust off with a tack cloth or damp cloth. - Undercoat first (highly recommended). Apply one full coat of a good water-based undercoat. It boosts adhesion, opacity and smoothness. Skip only if you’re rushed and the old paint is perfect, most pros won’t. - Great options: Johnstone’s Aqua Undercoat, Crown Trade Fast Flow Undercoat, or Zinsser Bulls-Eye 1-2-3. My top pick for most people: - Crown Non-Drip Gloss (or Fast Flow version) if you want max shine and ease. Switch to Johnstone’s Aqua Satin if you prefer a softer, more forgiving satin finish that still looks premium. Quick real-world tips: - Work in good ventilation but not freezing cold. - Thin coats = no runs or brush marks. - If old gloss is badly yellowed, the undercoat is extra important. - Test a small hidden spot first if unsure. Do the proper prep with the materials above plus one of these paints and you’ll get a finish that stays fresh for years. Skip the undercoat and you might be repainting sooner. Happy painting, you’ve got this!
Answered7 April 2026
1

F B DECORATORS

Rating: 5 out of 5
Canning Town, London
For the question of what’s the best paint to use you will get a lot of different answers because each decorator has their own preference on what paint to use for me Dulux would be the best to use but what I have noticed over the years water-based eggshell and gloss don’t last as long as oil based it might be worth going for oil for long lasting hope that helps
Answered27 July 2026
0

Pat Ryk

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Gravesend
Little Greene Traditional Oil Gloss
Answered28 July 2026
0

Fix-it Maintenance Guy

Rating: 4 out of 5
Wembley
A good choice is Dulux Trade Aqua Gloss. Clean the surface, lightly sand it, then paint. If there are any bare patches, use an undercoat first.
Answered30 July 2026
0

Jackson silva

Rating: 5 out of 5
Birmingham
You can use Dulux paint, Quick Dry Satinwood,just sand the surface first of the application
Answered3 August 2026
0