How to paint over glossy walls without sanding

[Alpha]

Hi! What’s the best way to prep and paint over glossy or semi-gloss walls without having to sand everything?

[Gardenboy]

Hi! Painting over glossy or semi-gloss walls without sanding is totally doable with the right prep. Start by giving the walls a good cleaning since glossy surfaces tend to collect grease and dust, which can mess with paint adhesion. After that, a liquid deglosser can really help. It’s easy to apply and takes the shine off so the new paint has something to grip. Once that’s dry, follow up with a quality bonding primer. That extra layer goes a long way in making sure your paint sticks well and holds up over time. It’s a simple process and a lot less messy than sanding everything down.

[Alpha]

Thanks! Will a liquid deglosser still work effectively on semi-gloss kitchen walls if there's some grease buildup?

[Gardenboy]

Yes, a liquid deglosser can still work on semi-gloss kitchen walls, but it's super important to clean off any grease first. Deglossers don’t really cut through grease. They're meant to dull the finish, not clean the surface. So before you apply it, just give the walls a good wipe-down with a degreaser or even warm water mixed with a bit of dish soap. Once the grease is gone and the surface is dry, go ahead and use the deglosser. That way, it can do its job properly and help your new paint stick like it should.

[Alpha]

Got it, do you recommend any specific brand of deglosser or primer for kitchen walls?

[Gardenboy]

For deglossers, products like Liquid Sand or Krud Kutter Gloss-Off are commonly recommended because they effectively dull glossy surfaces without sanding. When it comes to primers, oil-based bonding primers or shellac-based primers are often preferred for kitchen walls since they provide strong adhesion and resist moisture and stains better than standard primers. Brands such as Zinsser and Kilz offer reliable options that are widely available.

It’s also a good idea to check with local paint suppliers to find products best suited to the specific conditions of your walls. The most important factors are choosing a primer that bonds well to glossy finishes and can withstand the kitchen environment.

[Alpha]

Thanks so much for the detailed advice! Really appreciate it.

[Davidroger]

Great question — glossy walls can be super tricky to paint over without the paint sliding off like eggs on a Teflon pan. But yes, there is a way to skip the sanding (thankfully!).

Here’s what worked for me:

I had a hallway with semi-gloss paint that looked like it hadn’t been touched since the 90s. I really didn’t want to sand it all — the dust, the mess, the effort. So instead, I used a good quality deglosser (also called liquid sandpaper). It’s a wipe-on product that dulls the glossy finish and gives your new paint something to stick to. I just wiped it on with a cloth, waited for it to dry, and then primed with a bonding primer like Zinsser or Kilz. After that, two coats of my chosen color and done — smooth, no peeling, and no dust storm in my house.

That said, this approach still takes time and precision. If you’re dealing with a large area or want a truly pro finish (especially in high-end homes or commercial spaces), hiring experienced painters in Los Angeles can make a huge difference. They know how to handle all types of surfaces, use the right primers, and save you from headaches down the road.

Sometimes it’s just worth it to call the pros — your walls (and your sanity) will thank you!

[Alpha]

Thanks! Appreciate you sharing your experience!