Can You Paint Satin Over Semi Gloss? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Ever found yourself standing at the paint aisle looking at the long and endless range of options staring at you? There are semi-gloss, eggshell, satin, matte, and many more.

If you went for the safest option the last time, you may be wondering, “Can you paint satin over semi-gloss?”

Here’s a short answer for you: Yes, you can! But it’s not as easy as just slapping it on the wall and hoping it’ll stick. There are certain rules you need to follow.

You cannot skip the prep, and that’s just the start. Today, we will talk all about how you can paint like a pro by yourself or by hiring the right people for the job.

Satin vs. Semi-Gloss Paint

At times, a home or office needs just a few coats of paint to get a complete makeover. The job is done right, and you get your dream home or studio. But if the finish doesn’t fit the style you want, the whole job can be a disaster.

We use semi-gloss paint in the interiors, mostly given its durability and stain resistance. But for some people, the sheen can be a big turn-off, and they prefer the satin finish. 

That’s the main difference between the two. Semi-gloss has a lesser sheen compared to high-gloss and gloss finishes. It lasts longer than other matte and flat finishes and is low maintenance. 

In fact, an untrained eye may even mistake satin finish for semi gloss at first look. But if you look up close, you’ll notice a subtle difference in their sheen.

Satin, however, is more forgiving in covering up blemishes and dents on the wall. Hence, it is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, especially if you have pets or kids around.

It has a soft, velvety glow and is less shiny but polished. Hence, it’s best for the living rooms, bedrooms, and fine dining areas where you want to create a cozy ambiance. 

So when you’re thinking, “Can you paint satin over semi gloss?”, what you’re really wondering is whether you can bring down the voice of the room and give it a subtle, calmer look?

Of course! But if you get on to it like an excited little kid without any prep, it’s most likely going to end up bad. Here’s why.

The Importance of Surface Prep before painting

The thing about satin is that it doesn’t stick. If you slap it onto your previous coat of semi-gloss paint, it’ll just slide off like a sticker placed on a greasy pan. This is the key reason why most DIY projects fail. 

Paint will only stick to the surface if it allows it to. Satin paint needs to hold onto something; otherwise, it’ll just peel or chip off within weeks. Surface prep sets the foundation for you. You can’t afford to skip it! 

When done right, it resists chipping and peeling, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Also, it affects the appearance of the walls. Without the prep, the blotches and streaks are pretty apparent and make the whole look unappealing.

Then you would also need fewer coats of paint when the wall underneath is well-prepped and smooth, saving you a lot of money and time.

So, how can you put satin paint over semi-gloss? Let’s find out.

How to Paint Satin Over Semi-Gloss?

Let’s take a look at how professionals get the job done step-by-step.

Step 1: Clean the Surface

First things first, clean off the surface of any dust, grease, or even handprints you see (or don’t!) Use warm water mixed with mild soap, and scrub the walls well. Let them air dry.

Step 2: Compound

If you’ve had nails or holes in the walls, apply a spackling compound. It will cover the holes and cracks on the wall. Cover all the uneven spots and let them dry. 

Step 3: Sand the Walls

Take a fine-grit sandpaper (150 grit is fine) and scuff the surface in one direction until the sheen goes away. No need to go full scale, just dull the glossy shine so satin catches a bit of grip on the wall. 

Make sure to vacuum and sweep away the dust once you’re done, and wipe the wall again to remove the dust particles.

Step 4: Prime

It’s an optional step, but if the semi gloss paint is a dark shade, and you want to paint a lighter coat on top, the primer can make the job less frustrating. It’ll also take you fewer coats to get your preferred shade after using the primer compatible with the satin paint.

Step 5: Paint

Now apply a coat of paint in the color of your choice. Wait for it to dry, then apply the second coat. 

Alternate Option For Some Cases – Prepping with Ammonia

If you are still confused about how can you paint semi gloss over satin, here’s an alternate option: prepping with ammonia. 

If your last semi gloss paint is lead-based, do not sand it off. Instead, prep the wall with an ammonia and warm water solution. This solution is also the best alternative when you are short on time and want to prep the wall fast.

Here’s how you do it.

• Mix half a cup of ammonia in one gallon of warm water
• Using a piece of cloth, wipe the solution on the walls
• Remove the stains, markings, and grease
• Now, take another piece of cloth, dip it in water to wipe away the ammonia solution from the walls.
• Now use a stiff-bristle brush to roughen up the surface of the walls. This will make the new coat stick better to the walls and have a longer life.
• Now your walls are ready. Apply the satin paint and let the paint dry completely between each coat.

Tips and Tricks for Painting Satin Over Semi-Gloss

Can you paint over semi-gloss with satin? Sure, you can. But let’s really make sure you nail it down. Here are some tips that can make it happen.

• Wipe down the walls really well so there’s no grime or grease in the way.
• Sand lightly, but don’t sand out the wall too evenly, else the paint won’t stick.
• If in doubt, use the primer. Especially prime if you are painting a lighter color over a darker shade.
• Always do a patch test to check how well satin sticks and how well the color looks on the wall and in your room.
• Use a fresh set of brushes and rollers. So, do not fall for the cheap shed bristles but invest in a decent brush or roller for the job.
• So not glob on the wall. Apply thin, even coats that dry fast and look smooth. 
• Do not rush the dry time. Give it at least four hours to dry completely (longer if it’s humid).

Conclusion

You can paint satin over semi-gloss. To do this, make sure to use the right tools and prepare both the walls and yourself properly.

Let us at Paintman NYC handle the prep, mess, and everything else for you. 

We have a team of experienced painters, and we ensure we prepare the semi gloss surfaces just right and paint over the perfect satin finish. Call us today to get your free quote.