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abbymimi · Aug 8, 2008, 10:38 AM

How do I paint high gloss without streaks? Only with brushes? 1/4 inch nap rollers? Or one of the poly-foam items? I want to paint behind my stove and counters because they get so greasy. It is a small area like all - from the countertop to the bottom of the cabinets. I've never tried high gloss and would like to try. Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Aug 8, 2008, 12:32 PM

Do not use a brush or a foam roller for high gloss. Be sure the walls are very clean, wash with TSP or similar solution, then roll with a short nap roller. High gloss will show every wave and bend in the wall so take time to insure the wall areas are flat. Brushes leave streaks and foam can cause small air bubbles in the paint that do not all burst before it sets.

abbymimi · Aug 8, 2008, 02:34 PM

Thank you. You have saved me a bunch of work. Should I do two coats?

ballengerb1 · Aug 9, 2008, 07:18 PM

I would do two coats because I'm a perfectionist when doing gloss. The first coat shows you every error you made so you can correct them. I also very lightly sand the first coat just to take off the dust and pimples.

Clough · Aug 9, 2008, 10:11 PM

I agree with you about the foam applicators, ballengerb1! I don't like to use them either. I just wanted to add, that when rolling, it's good to vary the direction that you are rolling so that what is painted will look more even. I.e. don't rolled all in the same direction but kind of like you are making "X" or "Y" patterns.

ballengerb1 · Aug 10, 2008, 08:47 AM

I also add a small amount of Floetrol to help the paint flash. FLOOD COMPANY 0610 ADDITIV PAINT FLOTROL QT

abbymimi · Aug 10, 2008, 12:16 PM

To ballengerb1: what do you mean by flash?

ballengerb1 · Aug 10, 2008, 04:08 PM

When paint is applied by any means there are very tiny irregularities like ridges from the brush or droplets from a sprayer. These irregularities smooth out a bit but not completely, that's why your finish is not like glass. The smoothing out process is called flash. The Floetrol helps the paint to flatten ( flash) much more that it would on its own, very smooth finish, looks great.