The Best Gloss Paint For Your Next Project

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Sunny Best (Product Reviews) Sunny Avenue
30 Jul 2023

Whilst embarking on a DIY venture or a professional decorating assignment, the quest for high-quality paint is inevitable. In the realm of paints, gloss paints are often the go-to variant for individuals seeking a sleek, shiny, and polished aesthetic. However, with a multitude of gloss paint options at our disposal, the task of selecting the best gloss paints can be overwhelming.

To simplify this, we've analysed and compiled a comprehensive review of some of the finest gloss paints available in the market. Through our in-depth research and personal experiences, we've extracted the most relevant facts and ideas from each product. 


Key Takeaways

  • Gloss paint is a type of emulsion paint known for its high sheen level and reflective properties, making it ideal for achieving a sleek, shiny, and polished aesthetic.
  • When choosing the best gloss paint, consider factors such as the desired finish, durability, compatible surfaces, odour output, ease of application, drying time, colour options, and value for money.
  • The top contenders in the market for gloss paints include Dulux Quick Dry Gloss Paint, Johnstone's Hardwearing Non-Drip Gloss, Rustins Quick Dry Small Job Gloss Paint, Leyland Trade High Gloss Paint, Dulux Once Gloss Paint, Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Paint, and Ronseal Weatherproof Paint.
  • Gloss paint is suitable for various applications, including woodwork, trim, furniture, high-traffic areas, bathrooms, kitchens, metal surfaces, and decorative effects. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a smooth and flawless finish when using gloss paint.

What is Gloss Paint?

To begin with, it's crucial to understand what gloss paint is. Essentially, gloss paint is a type of emulsion paint known for its high sheen level. This sheen or lustre refers to the reflection of light off the painted surface. The higher the sheen level, the more reflective the paint appears.

Gloss paints are typically used for interior and exterior trim such as woodwork, doors, and radiators. Most modern gloss paints are water-based, as oil-based paints have a tendency to yellow over time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gloss Paint

The selection of the best gloss paint depends on various factors, including the desired finish, durability, compatible surfaces, odour output, ease of application, drying time, colour options, and value for money. Your choice will also depend on whether the paint is for interior or exterior use and the type of surface you wish to paint.

List Of 7 Best Gloss Paints

After extensive research, we've identified the following gloss paints as the top contenders in the market. These products offer a blend of quality, durability, and value for money, making them a worthy investment for your next painting project.

1. Dulux Quick Dry Gloss Paint

best gloss paint 1

***** 4.6
Considered the best overall gloss paint, Dulux Quick Dry Gloss Paint offers a stunning high sheen finish for both interior and exterior wood and metal surfaces.
The quick-drying formulation allows for a swift painting process, while its non-yellowing feature ensures a long-lasting, brilliant white finish.
Pros:
  • Quick drying time
  • Excellent coverage
  • Suitable for all types of wood surfaces
  • Water-based and non-yellowing formula
  • Available in a vast range of colours
Cons:
  • Requires multiple coats for some colours
  • Achieving a smooth finish without brush marks can be challenging

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2. Johnstone's Hardwearing Non-Drip Gloss

best gloss paint 2

***** 4.4
Johnstone's Hardwearing Non-Drip Gloss is renowned for its impressive durability. Its high-sheen finish and drip-resistant formulation make it easy to apply and ideal for high-traffic areas.
Pros:
  • Long-lasting finish
  • High sheen level
  • Drip-resistant formula
  • Suitable for interior and exterior use
Cons:
  • Requires thorough surface preparation
  • Limited colour options

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3. Rustins Quick Dry Small Job Gloss Paint

best gloss paint 3

***** 4.5
Perfect for small DIY projects, Rustins Quick Dry Small Job Gloss Paint is a water-based paint, offering a smooth finish on interior and exterior wood and metal.
Its quick-drying formula ensures the painted surface is touch dry within 30 minutes, reducing the waiting time between coats.
Pros:
  • Rapid drying time
  • Suitable for interior and exterior use
  • Available in a variety of colours
Cons:
  • Only available in small tins
  • Emits a strong odour during application

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4. Leyland Trade High Gloss Paint

best gloss paint 4

***** 4.5
Leyland Trade High Gloss Paint is a premium quality paint that provides an exceptional high gloss finish.
Its excellent flow and levelling properties make it easy to apply and provide smooth, even coverage.
Pros:
  • High gloss finish
  • Durable and easy to clean
  • Suitable for interior and exterior use
  • Available in several colours
Cons:
  • High VOC content
  • Limited coverage when compared to other gloss paints

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5. Dulux Once Gloss Paint

best gloss paint 5

***** 4.6
Dulux Once Gloss Paint offers a high-quality single-coat application for interior wood and metal surfaces.
Its high gloss finish gives a smooth and polished appearance, making it perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Pros:
  • Single-coat application
  • High gloss white finish
  • Resistant to stains and dirt
  • Suitable for wood and metal
Cons:
  • Requires a long drying time of up to 16 hours
  • Not suitable for use on plastic or PVC surfaces

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6. Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Paint

best gloss paint 6

***** 4.5
Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Paint is a paint and primer in one. It's suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, plastic, masonry, radiators, tiles, and laminates.
Pros:
  • Paint and primer in one
  • Good for indoors and outdoors
  • Ideal for multiple surfaces
  • Available in multiple colours
Cons:
  • Requires a primer for certain surfaces

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7. Ronseal Weatherproof Paint

best gloss paint 7

***** 4.6
The Ronseal Weatherproof Paint is the best exterior gloss paint. It's a durable gloss paint that is weatherproof in just one hour, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
Pros:
  • Weatherproof in 1 hour
  • Good coverage
  • Long-lasting finish
  • Suitable for exterior use
Cons:
  • Requires multiple coats for the best results
  • Not suitable for interior use

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When Should Gloss Paint Be Used?

Gloss paint should be used in specific situations where its properties and finish are suitable for the desired outcome. Gloss paint is known for its high shine and reflective finish, which sets it apart from other paint finishes like matte or satin. Here are some common situations when gloss paint should be used:

Woodwork and Trim:

Gloss paint is often used for painting woodwork such as doors, window frames, baseboards, crown moldings, and other trim elements. Its shiny finish adds a touch of elegance and provides a durable surface that can withstand frequent cleaning and wear.

Furniture:

Gloss paint can be applied to furniture, particularly pieces with a traditional or modern style. It creates a polished and sophisticated look, enhancing the appearance of the furniture.

High-Traffic Areas:

Gloss paint is more resistant to abrasion and staining compared to matte finishes. Therefore, it is suitable for areas that experience heavy use, such as hallways, staircases, and entryways.

Bathrooms and Kitchens:

Gloss paint's water-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It can withstand splashes and frequent cleaning without losing its shine.

Metal Surfaces:

Gloss paint can be used on metal surfaces, like railings, gates, and metal furniture, to protect them from rust and weathering while providing a sleek appearance.

Decorative Effects:

Gloss paint can be used for decorative effects, such as creating a lacquered or enamel-like finish on certain surfaces or adding accents to artwork and craft projects.

Keep in mind that gloss paint tends to highlight surface imperfections, such as bumps, cracks, or uneven textures. Before using gloss paint, it's essential to properly prepare the surface by sanding, filling any imperfections, and applying a suitable primer for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

The selection of the best gloss paint ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your painting project. Whether you're seeking a quick-drying formula, a durable finish, or a vibrant colour, there's a gloss paint for every need. By considering the factors we've discussed and reviewing the top picks, you can ensure you choose the best gloss paint for your next project.

Remember, preparation is key when applying gloss paint to achieve a smooth and flawless finish. Proper surface preparation, including sanding and cleaning, will go a long way in ensuring a great-looking, long-lasting gloss finish.

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ABOUT THIS AUTHOR - STUART CRISPE

Stuart is an expert in Property, Money, Banking & Finance, having worked in retail and investment banking for 10+ years before founding Sunny Avenue. Stuart has spent his career studying finance. He holds qualifications in financial studies, mortgage advice & practice, banking operations, dealing & financial markets, derivatives, securities & investments.

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