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How To Dull A Glossy Finish

How to dull a glossy finish on high-gloss furniture can take some elbow grease, but it can also be done in many different ways. You must gather the proper materials: wood pieces, wet sanding, steel wool, and a soft cloth. The sanding process is the first step to dulling a glossy finish.

Begin sanding with coarse sandpaper and use an orbital sander or sanding blocks in a circular motion to remove the sheen from the surface. Once you have made progress with the coarse grit paper, move on to higher grits of fine grit sandpaper until you have achieved your desired level of sheen.

Once you have finished sanding, it’s time for buffing! Use either fine steel wool or polishing pads and compound to buff out any remaining swirl marks and shiny finish left behind from sanding. Keep your pressure light and work evenly in small circles over the entire surface for best results.

Dull a glossy finish without sanding

Finally, spray on a thin finish of oil paint or polyurethane to seal the surface and provide additional protection against future damage. The last step is to give it a quick once over and apply wax to improve the dull shine of the new matte look.

In our guide, you can learn more about how to dull a glossy finish without sanding or how to make polyurethane finish less shiny. By the end, you’ll better understand how to give your surfaces a quick once over to reduce the gloss level and end up with matte finishes rather than glossy. (Read Can You Paint Over Existing Auto Paint)

How Do You Make Polyurethane Finish Less Shiny?

An existing finish that is overly shiny can be dulled in a few different ways. Depending on your technique, you might not require all items on this list to dull a glossy finish.

What you need:

• Orbital sander.
• Wet/dry sandpaper/ sanding blocks (220 to 1200 grit.)
• Polishing pads.
• Mineral spirits.
• Steel wool.
• Finish.
• Paint brush if not going for a spray finish.
• Coarse polishing compound.

Sanding Out Gloss

The first method is often the best approach how to dull a glossy finish. You have additional choices for sanding off the sheen to dull gloss paint finish, though, if the outcomes are unsatisfactory.

Problems can arise if you don’t know how thick your current finish is. You can end up sanding right through a thin finish.

Sanding

  1. Start sanding with 220 or 300-grit sandpaper if you have a thick finish. Starting with a light circular motion, wet sand the object with soapy water or mineral spirits.
  2. Wipe the area clean with a clean cloth, then move on to the following grit.
  3. Start using 400-grit sandpaper because it is advised to begin with higher-grit sandpaper that destroys less finish.
  4. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and check your work after 600 grit.
  5. You can continue this sanding method until the finish appears dull. Using 800 grit sandpaper, begin wet sanding and review your progress.
  6. Try 1000 grit and then recheck before moving on to 1200 grit if it’s still dull.

Polishing

  1. After a few minutes of sanding, you can start polishing if the matte finish is still dull or has many swirl marks.
  2. Polish the surface with a polishing compound on an orbital sander buffing pad. Begin with a coarse polish to leave a dull polyurethane finish.
  3. After you’ve finished buffing, wash the matte surface with soapy water and a soft towel. Repeat the buffing operation using higher grit sandpapers.
  4. To finish, you can use a finer polishing compound and restore some of your dull finish to a semi-gloss finish or sheen.

Sanding Glossy Polyurethane

How to Dull Glossy Polyurethane

Here are a few tips on toning down a high gloss finish if you need to know how. (Read Dry Time For Oil Based Primer)

Sanding

The most outstanding ways how to dull a glossy paint finish is sanding it. Using this method, you can manually remove some of the finished results.

There are risks linked with sanding, in particular. If you don’t know how deep the high gloss finish is, you might go all the way through. Continue with caution, as that might not have been your intention.

  1. Start by lightly sanding the current finish with wet sandpaper or sandpaper mixed with mineral spirits. With 400 grit sandpaper, sand the surface evenly next. Start with 220 or 300 grit if the finish is thicker.
  2. During sanding, maintain even pressure and smooth strokes. Swirl marks could result from careless sanding.
  3. You’ll work your way down the grit scale after the initial grit. For instance, from 220 to 300. Try 400 after 300.
  4. Wash down the surface after each cycle and examine it. You can therefore correct swirl marks if you notice them. Clean off the wood and inspect if you have the right finish.
  5. Even if you think the finish is good, clean the surface after 600 grit. Then evaluate the outcome to see if you’re satisfied with it.

Refining Your Finish

If you like the new finish, you’re done, but there are more alternatives if you require a semi-gloss finish and extra dulling.

  1. Choose a new strategy if the finish is close. Sometimes wood wax is used to soften polish.
  2. Use the wipe-off method when waxing. Be careful to remove the wax for the finish to adhere.
  3. You’ll employ an alternative technique if you think the finish is too dull.
  4. If the finish is perfect, try wet 800-grit sandpaper and stop here. Increase the grit to 1000 and then 1200 if it is still dull.
  5. If you can see swirl marks, use a coarse polishing compound and an orbital sander.
  6. Try using a finer polishing product for a more excellent gloss.

Dull a Glossy Finish Using Refinishing

Remove Polishing Compound

  1. If you used a polishing compound, remove it first. You can substitute another solvent for naphtha if you so wish.
  2. The item is then sanded with 220-grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the existing finish and help the new coat adhere.

Clean and Dry

  1. The hardwood surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried because this procedure requires a new finish. Expect subpar results if not.
  2. Start by wiping down the surface. Avoid chemical cleansers since they might not blend well with the finish, producing subpar results.

Apply New Finish

  1. Put on only a light coat of new finish. A thin coat dries more quickly.
  2. You might get a good idea of the outcome in as little as 30 minutes.
  3. Apply a second, light coat if desired. Let it air dry. Finally, if necessary, add a third light coat, yet the gloss finish will begin to show on the wooden surface.

Can Gloss Paint Be Made Flat?

Sanding and Polishing Method

With glossy finishes, the simplest method is sanding and polishing. To get started with different method, you’ll need:

Various grits of sandpaper:

Use at least 220, 320, 400, and 600. You may need finer sandpaper for the varnish sanding procedure but start with coarse sandpaper. (Read Can You Paint Particle Board)

Dust cloths:

Any cotton fabric will do. A microfiber cloth is a wonderful alternative but keep several on hand because you don’t want to use one covered with dust.

Orbital sander:

It all comes down to how matte you want your surface to be; however, as the glossiness increases, these remove swirls and scratches.

Polishing compounds:

They are necessary for usage with the extra pressure of the orbital sander. To sand without applying more pressure, combine coarse and finer sandpaper.

Step 1 ‒ Sanding Process

  • Use hot water and TSP to clean the entire piece thoroughly. Allow the wood piece to dry completely.
  • The best way to sand every surface is with an orbital sander and 220-grit sandpaper.
  • Before you start, measuring the thickness of your piece’s top coat is crucial. Sand it down with 320- or 220-grit sandpaper if it’s too thick.
  • If the surface is thin or you are unsure, start with 400-grit
  • After thoroughly cleaning the surface, wipe it off with some soapy water.
  • Sand with 800-grit sandpaper if you need to restore some gloss. You should keep rubbing with finer sandpaper until you have the desired polish.

Step 2 ‒ Coarse Polishing

This one might work if the previous step didn’t yield the required results to dull a glossy finish.

You’ll need the electric sander at this phase to remove the shine from lacquer finishes, the same process.

  • Instead of using a regular orbital sander, a random orbital sander is advised for professional results throughout the buffing process.
  • On your sander’s buffing pad, apply a coarse polishing compound. Remove the semi-gloss shine by going over the surface without using any further pressure.
  • To clean the surface, use soapy water.
  • Wipe the sanded glossy surface using a soft clean cloth.
  • Use the sander again with the finer polishing compound if you need extra sheen.

Ways to dull a shiny glass surface

How to Guide to Dull a Glass Surface

There are several ways to dull a shiny glass surface. Using a glass etching cream or other product made for the job is the simplest way to go about it.

What you need:

  • Glass etching cream
  • Paintbrush or Sponge Mask (optional)
  • Vinegar or mineral spirits

Directions:

1. Clean the Glass Surface

Use soapy water to clean the glass’s surface. Make sure to remove any grime or grease. You can clean the glass with vinegar and water instead of using chemical cleaners. After the surface is clean, use a lint-free cloth to completely dry.

2. Smear on the Etching Cream

Use a sponge or a paintbrush to spread the glass etching cream throughout the glass’s surface. If you’re using a buffing pad, apply the glass etching cream straight on the sponge. To spread the cream evenly, once more, use circular or back-and-forth strokes. (Read Can You Put Polyurethane Over Acrylic Paint)

3. Let the cream set

Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to let the glass etching cream dry. This typically takes between 5 and 30 minutes.

4. Remove the cream

Remove the glass etching cream from the glass’s surface after hardening. Rinse it off with water or use a lint-free cloth to wipe it down. Use a small amount of mineral spirits or vinegar if the glass etching cream is difficult to remove. Apply it on a cloth, then wipe away the cream in a circular motion.

5. Clean the glass surface

Remove the glass etching cream and clean the glass’s surface with soap and water. Make sure to remove the cream off your hands completely. Use a glass cleaner only as directed by the manufacturer. After the surface is clean, use a lint-free cloth to dry it.

How To Dull A Glossy Finish