How to Achieve a Flawless High Gloss Finish with DiVinci Painters
Photo Credit: DiVinci Painters
When it comes to creating a polished and professional look, the finishing touches make all the difference. Achieving a truly flawless high gloss finish is an art that demands relentless attention to detail, patience, and a deep respect for every step in the process. Our Areté team has partnered with DiVinci Painters to share their insights and professional tips for achieving a flawless high gloss finish.
The magic lies not just in the paint itself, but in the foundation-the meticulous preparation and the controlled environment that together create that mirror-like, liquid shine that stops people in their tracks. Discover valuable insights straight from industry-leading experts below.
Gloss Measurement: The Science Behind the Shine
Gloss is measured in gloss units (GU) using a glossmeter, with 100 GU representing the reflectivity of polished black glass. The best high gloss paints can approach or even exceed this benchmark, achieving a dazzling, almost liquid appearance.
To achieve this look, the following steps must be executed with precision:
Preparation: The Foundation of Brilliance
Every imperfection, no matter how small, is magnified by high gloss. That’s why the process begins with obsessive cleaning and patching-filling holes, leveling surfaces, and sanding until the substrate is as smooth as glass.
Multiple rounds of sanding and priming are essential. Start with a coarser grit to level, then move to finer grits (220, 400, even up to 600 or higher) between coats, always wiping away dust with denatured alcohol or microfiber cloths.
Oil-based primers are often preferred for their ability to create a flawless base for high-gloss finishes.
Environmental Control: The Invisible Ingredient
Dust is the enemy. Even a single airborne particle can ruin the finish. That’s why professionals seal off rooms, use negative air systems, and filter vents to create a dust-free environment before the final coats.
Slow-drying high-gloss paints are especially vulnerable to dust, so continuous air filtration is critical. Experts filter the air every three minutes during application.
Application: The Art of Perfection
Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick one. Each coat should be allowed to dry fully, then sanded smooth before the next is applied.
Spray application often yields the smoothest, most even finish, but high-quality brushes and rollers can also deliver great results if used skillfully.
For the ultimate mirror finish, wet sanding with ultra-fine grits (up to 2000) and hand polishing with compounds can elevate the gloss to perfection.
Challenges and How to Tackle Them
Time and Cost: The labor intensity and time required are significant-sometimes 10 times more than a standard paint job. Educating clients about the process and value is essential.
Dust and Drying: High-gloss paints dry slowly and attract dust. Strict dust control and patience are non-negotiable.
Coordination: In multi-room or high-traffic projects, working off-hours and coordinating with other trades is often necessary to protect the finish.
The Bottom Line
A flawless high gloss finish is the result of uncompromising preparation, environmental discipline, and masterful application. Cut a single corner, and the finish will betray you. But when every step is honored, the result is a surface so luminous it transforms a room-reflecting not just light, but the passion and expertise of its maker.
Comparison: High Gloss vs. Venetian Plaster Prep
When it comes to preparing surfaces for Venetian plaster versus high gloss paint, the processes share a foundation of discipline and craftsmanship, but the nuances are shaped by the finish you’re after-and the results can be nothing short of breathtaking.
Today’s design landscape is alive with possibility. Natural mineral plasters- Marmorino, Grassello, metallics, lime-based, clay, and slaked lime- are in high demand, each offering a spectrum from velvety matte to radiant, mirror-like gloss. The preparation, however, is dictated by one unyielding rule: the higher the sheen, the more exacting the prep.
- For matte or lime and clay Venetian plasters, the process is forgiving. The surface must be clean and reasonably smooth, but minor imperfections are not only tolerated-they’re celebrated, lending character and authenticity. These finishes absorb light, registering only about 5 gloss units, so the substrate prep is like what you’d do for standard paint.
- For polished Venetian plaster or high gloss paint, the stakes are dramatically higher. Every flaw is magnified. The wall must be brought to a flawless, level 5 finish-smooth, even, and free of defects. This means meticulous patching, sanding, and priming. Multiple thin coats are applied, each one carefully smoothed and dried. For Venetian plaster, the final transformation comes with burnishing: a stainless steel trowel or electric polisher is used to compress and polish the surface, coaxing out a depth and gloss that rivals marble itself. For high gloss paint, the same obsessive attention to detail is required, with dust control and environmental management playing a crucial role.
The truth is a matte lime wash and a mirror-polished plaster may both be called “plasters” but their prep demands are worlds apart. Matte finishes embrace imperfection; high gloss, whether paint or plaster, demands perfection. The reward for this rigor is a finish that doesn’t just reflect light-it transforms space, commanding attention and admiration.
In the end, the more luminous the finish, the more relentless the preparation. The process is labor-intensive and demands expertise, but the result of a flawless, gleaming surface, is always worth the pursuit
Is there anything else that sets a high-quality Venetian plaster or high gloss paint apart from something that’s a little bit lower quality?
Absolutely, there is a world of difference between high-quality Venetian plaster or high gloss paint and their lower-quality counterparts, and it’s not just about what meets the eye.
For Venetian plaster, quality begins with the ingredients. The finest plasters are crafted from aged slaked lime and finely ground marble dust, sometimes with natural pigments, creating a finish that is not only visually stunning but also exceptionally durable and long-lasting. This blend yields a surface with remarkable depth, subtle iridescence, and a tactile, almost stone-like feel that simply cannot be faked with inferior products or shortcuts in application. Lower-quality plasters may use synthetic binders or cheap fillers, sacrificing both the look and the longevity.
Application is where artistry and expertise shine. High-quality Venetian plaster is applied in multiple, whisper-thin layers with overlapping, curved strokes-each layer carefully smoothed and burnished to create a sense of movement and depth. The final surface is polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting light in a way that gives walls a living, breathing character. Lesser plasters, poorly applied, will look flat, lackluster, and may even crack or peel over time.
High gloss paint, too, reveals its pedigree in both material and method. The best high-gloss paints have a high resin content and are formulated for clarity and reflectivity. When paired with meticulous surface preparation, imperfections patched, sanded, and primed – the result is a flawless, glass-like finish that radiates sophistication. Lower-quality paints or rushed prep work will always betray themselves with visible brush marks, dust inclusions, or uneven gloss.
The True Distinction Goes Beyond the Surface
Durability: High-quality Venetian plaster is naturally mold-resistant, breathable, and can last decades with minimal maintenance. High gloss paint, when properly applied, is tough and easy to clean.
Eco-friendliness: Authentic Venetian plaster is non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Versatility and Customization: Superior products and skilled artisans can achieve a vast range of textures, sheens, and colors, tailored to the unique character of a space.
In short, high-quality Venetian plaster and high gloss paint are more than finishes-they are investments in beauty, durability, and craftsmanship. They elevate a space, turning ordinary walls into works of art that stand the test of time. The difference is not just seen, but felt, every time you enter the room.
DiVinci’s Process
DiVinci shares Areté’s commitment to excellence, emphasizing quality control at every stage of a project. Each endeavor is carefully managed by both a dedicated Project Manager and a skilled Crew Leader to ensure seamless execution. By the time of the final walkthrough, any potential issues are typically resolved. However, should anything arise, we remain fully committed to addressing and rectifying it promptly.
Successfully completing a project involves teamwork, and we always strive to do our part to keep clients happy. This can include touch-ups, repainting, or even reinstalling a damaged wallcovering panel when needed.
High-Gloss Paint Q&A
Do you have any advice for those wanting high-gloss paint?
Hire someone who has the experience and know-how to apply the paint. It is a meticulous process and a large investment. We get calls every week to come fix another applicator’s work. It takes 5 years to learn how to properly achieve the look. We consider it the Ferrari of the paint world.
Are there any eco-friendly options for high-gloss paint?
The eco-friendly high-gloss paints have not arrived yet. Many manufacturers tout high gloss, but they top out at 80 gloss units and just don’t have the “eye candy or pop” that the solvent-based coating boasts.
They don’t match the depth or reflective quality. If someone is willing to compromise on the mirror finish for the sake of being eco-conscious, that’s a great option. But if they want that chandelier-reflecting, light-catching, luxurious effect, oil-based is still the way to go.
What trends are you noticing in the high-end luxury market for interior finishes and design?
One big trend we’ve noticed in the high-end luxury market is a desire for craftsmanship, skill, and quality. Cheap and fast is a trend that’s going away. We see a larger portion of the budget allocated to quality materials and techniques. High-quality craftsmanship ensures that products are durable, require minimal maintenance, and perform reliably over time. A well-made item is built to last, often outliving mass-produced alternatives.
Now, they’re viewing things like paint, wall coverings, and plaster as true assets in the room. They’re giving us the time to do it right because they want it to last. We’re seeing demand for hand-painted wallcoverings, domestic and European paints, as well as high-gloss finishes, Venetian plaster, and intricate details like trellis work, embossed plaster, and panel moldings.
Take the Lake Forest Showhouse, for example. It shows so many of these trends—everything from monochromatic color drenching (where walls, ceilings, and trim are all the same color) to detailed finishes that create a designer look.
The luxury market is thriving. They’re noticing every little detail in their space and want to feel good at home.
Areté Renovators and DiVinci Painters: Bringing Luxury into Your Space
Areté Renovators and DiVinci Painters will collaborate seamlessly to ensure every inch of your space exudes luxury and reflects your personal design taste. From precise renovations that enhance functionality and aesthetics to expert painting that brings your vision to life with flawless finishes, their combined expertise guarantees a home that is both stylish and uniquely yours.
Whether you desire bold, dramatic transformations or subtle, sophisticated updates, Areté and DiVinci are waiting to work hand in hand to deliver impeccable results. Contact Areté Renovators today at 773.683.3033 to start reimagining your space or reach out to DiVinci Painters to explore world-class painting solutions that define luxury. Together, we will craft the space of your dreams.