Painting over semi-gloss finish?

Question

Can you paint over semi-gloss finish with an egg shell finish? Or is it better to paint over the semi-gloss with another semi-gloss?

Answer 1

For best adhesion, you should take the shine off the semi-gloss. If the surfaces are in good nick, you can do this by sanding or, more easily, by washing with trisodium phosphate (tsp) which dulls the finish and makes the next coat stick better. You can also go straight to a good primer.

If you don't prepare the surface it may still work out ok, but if the colours are very different the result will be streakier and it will be harder to get even coverage.  

Answer 2

You can paint over virtually any paint finish with any other paint finish.

Answer 3

You can cover any finish with any other finish.  Use two coats so you don't have to use a primer.  If it is a red family color, you will need 4 or 5 coats.

Answer 4

It makes no difference. no need for primer here.

Answer 5

To add to the excellent answers already given: there are a few paints that are self-priming. I've just painted with one of them over semi-gloss with no problems, but I washed the trim with TSP first, then rinsed (I do this in all instances, since it gets rid of grease and dirt.)

Answer 6

you can paint with any paint finish that you wish as long that you prime your walls first, this will help the new paint to adhere to the walls without any problems for instance peeling off like a layer of skin after a bad sunburn.

Answer 7

The only thing you wil want to do is to use a primer before any new finish product that you put on, sheen is irrelevent.  So one coat primer, 2 finish coats.  The next biggest key is to use a good roller sleeve.($5.+)