Sand, clean and prime old gloss paintwork so water-based paint sticks properly, then apply two even coats.
PG-01Clear and protect the roomMove furniture away from the walls or woodwork you're painting. Lay dust sheets on the floor and tape down the edges so they don't slip. Open a window for ventilation, even though water-based paint has little smell.
PG-02Wash off grease and dirtGloss paint attracts handprints and kitchen grease, especially on doors and skirting. Wash it down with sugar soap solution and a sponge, then rinse with clean water on a separate cloth. Let it dry fully before moving on — this can take an hour in a warm room.
PG-03Key the gloss by sandingWater-based paint doesn't grip smooth gloss on its own, so you need to scuff the surface first. Sand it all over with 180-240 grit sandpaper until the shine goes dull and matt — you're not trying to strip the paint, just break the surface. Use a sanding sponge on mouldings and curved edges where flat paper won't reach.
PG-04Remove all the dustWipe every sanded surface with a dry cloth first, then go over it again with a damp cloth or a tack cloth to pick up fine dust. Any dust left behind will sit under the new paint as a gritty texture. Let the surface dry completely before you start priming.
PG-05Apply a water-based bonding primerEven sanded, old gloss is still oil-based underneath, so a bonding primer gives the new paint something reliable to hold onto. Brush or roll on one coat of water-based bonding primer, following the grain on wood. Leave it to dry for the time stated on the tin — usually 1-2 hours — before recoating.
PG-06Apply the first topcoatStir the paint well and apply a thin, even coat with a brush or small roller, working in the direction of the wood grain or in one direction on flat panels. Don't overload the brush — thin coats dry better than thick ones and show fewer marks. Leave to dry fully, checking the tin for the recoat time.
PG-07Lightly sand between coatsOnce the first coat is fully dry, go over it lightly with fine 320-400 grit sandpaper to knock off any raised grain or small bits of dust. Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth afterwards. This step is what gives a smooth, professional-looking finish rather than a rough one.
PG-08Apply the second topcoatApply a second thin, even coat the same way as the first. Two thin coats always look better than one thick one and are less likely to run or sag. Leave it to dry and cure fully before touching it — most water-based paints are dry to handle in a few hours but take a few days to fully harden.
PG-09Clean up and refit hardwareWash brushes and rollers straight away in warm soapy water — water-based paint is much easier to clean up than gloss. Fold dust sheets carefully so any dried drips stay contained, and refit door handles or fittings once the paint has fully cured. Give the room a final wipe-down and open a window to help the paint cure.