How to Dull a Glossy Finish 2024 – The Best Way

Every carpenter will have difficulty dulling a glossy finish at some point in his career. It’s possible that you over sprayed the glossiness of your finish or you purchased high-gloss items at a discount that would look prettier if they weren’t so dazzling.

Higher gloss finishes are easy to achieve, but it takes more work to dull down a high glossy wood panel or floor. So if you want to learn how to dull a glossy finish, read this full post.

Even though obtaining a glossy finish is simple, it might be difficult to dull one that is overly glossy. Some beginners could even feel so terrified that they decide to leave the finish alone.

To acquire the finish you want with the minimum of effort, I’ll show you a few tips and tactics that will make this procedure much simpler to complete. In the end, you will be familiar with the best technique for giving all of your DIY projects a much more matte look, regardless of the project.

How to Dull a Glossy Finish?

Anything may have excess shine removed, but it takes some work. But when done well, the outcomes are worth it. A current finish that is overly bright can be dulled in a few different ways. You might not require every entity on this list based on your technique.

Things You Should Have for Dulling Glossy Finish

Here is a file of elements that you might require during this process:

Methods to Dull a Glossy Finish

There are four methods to dull the glossy finish almost of every object, including wood, metal, and many more.

First Method: Standing Out the Gloss

This is the first technique you ought to try when you are going to dull a gloss finish. It ought to work just fine. In my experience, you can always attempt a new approach if you’re still unhappy with the outcome. The benefit of sanding down the sheen is that it opens up possibilities for various techniques.

You should exercise caution when using this procedure since it entails sanding down layers of the glossy finish, as the technique’s name suggests. You should be cautious if the finish you’re working with is already thin because if you sand out through the layer, you risk damaging the wood, which is the last point you desire.

Step 1: Sanding

Step 2: Polishing

Second Method: Refinishing

Don’t worry if you used the first approach but weren’t satisfied with the outcomes. You may be sure to acquire the desired result by employing this technique!

Step 1: Remove Polishing Compound

Remove any polishing compound you may have used first. Rather than naphtha, you have the option to use another solvent. Then use 220 grit sandpaper to refine the object. This will make the existing finish rougher and more accessible for the new coat to stick.

Step 2: Clean and Dry

The hardwood surface must be meticulously cleaned and dried before using this approach because it requires a fresh finish. Otherwise, expect subpar results. Start by cleaning the surface. Avoid using chemical cleaners because they cannot blend well with the finish and produce bad results.

Step 3: Select Your Finish

Choosing your final appearance established on an item is possible when adding a new finish. Depending on your tastes and whether you applied the final finish, how you do so may differ.

If the previous finish you used was glossier than you had planned, you might choose to remain with the same product range and pick a more matte choice. Change from semigloss to satin or satin to matte, for instance.

Consider going lower or more than one level if the previous finish was glossier than anticipated. For example, you might wish to transition directly from semigloss to matte. Just keep in mind that the variation could be substantial, so if you’re unsure of what you like to see, you might need to be more cautious and go down one notch.

There is a good likelihood that the finishes will adhere well if you use the same line of products. Additionally, picking the next finish may be simpler than choosing a product you are unfamiliar with because you already have a meter after seeing the previous result.

Step 4: Apply the New Finish

A light coat should be added when applying a new finish. The skin dries more quickly when it isn’t as thick. You might have a decent sense of how the finished product will look after only 30 minutes.

Apply a second light layer if you like the finish after that. Give it some time to dry. Apply a third (and typically final) light coat if necessary. Sometimes two coatings are sufficient. Consult the product operating manual if you’re unsure how many to use.

If the first coat didn’t impress you, you now have a few options. You can add the last coats if the finish is too glossy. After that, you can use the sanding technique to lower it a bit. You could wish to select a different finish if it’s way too glossy. Once you have the new product, you repeat the unique finishing process.

If the current finish is excessively dull, refinishing is the only option left. While you might be able to give it a little more shine, using a different brand or adding a layer of varnish is usually required to achieve a noticeably glossier finish. You usually have to sand some wood and start over in either situation.

Third Method: De-Glossing

Apply a matte varnish on your furniture’s body to make the gleaming metal handles and locks appear matte. Do not worry; it is easy.

The best course of action is if at all possible, to remove the metal components from the piece of furniture. Cover the wood’s surface with cloth strips if they can’t be protected. The tarnish on the metal can be removed with a cloth bathed in a liquid deglosser. While doing so, your motion should be circular.

To prevent dirt from adhering to paper, deglosser should be used again often. Review the essay after a 30-minute break. Apply a second coat of the de-glosser using a brush if it is still overly shiny. Allow it to dry until you are happy with its appearance, and degloss it.

Fourth Method: Brushing

Depending on the component, you might want to sand down any plastic parts. A straightforward brushing technique can be used to achieve this. For this job, you’ll need a rough scouring pad. Brush the rubber part’s surface back and forth. To create a more brushed effect, brush more aggressively but keep your stroke direction constant.

Final Words- How to Dull Glossy Finish

Any competent carpenter should be able to dull a shiny finish. You will ultimately need to learn how to swiftly and effectively remove glossy finishes from wood, whether you’re an expert or an amateur. You’ll be able to advance your woodworking skills once you’ve kept this in mind.

I openly hope you found this post helpful. If so, please spread the word to your colleagues so they may also take advantage of it. For more information and tips on paint ideas, keep reading our latest blogs.