I’m all about sanding between coats, especially if I want a really smooth finish. It’s a pain, but I notice the difference, especially with semi-gloss or higher sheens. Sometimes I’ll even use a sanding sponge just to knock down any bumps. If I’m in a rush, though, I’ll skip it and live with the texture—depends on the room honestly. Anyone else feel like sanding is the most annoying part of painting?
Title: How do you pace your painting projects—slow and steady or all at once?
I swear, sanding is like the gym membership of painting—everyone knows it’s good for you, but who actually wants to do it? I’ve tried skipping it before, thinking “eh, no one will notice,” and then the sunlight hits just right and suddenly every bump is on display. I usually end up slow and steady, mostly because I get distracted halfway through and need a snack break. But yeah, sanding is definitely the part I dread most... even more than taping off trim.
I get why sanding feels like a chore, but honestly, I’ve started using eco-friendly liquid deglossers instead. They’re not perfect for every project, but for most walls and trim, they save a ton of time and mess. I’m more of an “all at once” type—just want to get it done and move on. The prep still matters, but there are ways to make it less painful... and less dusty.
Slow and steady is my default, but that’s mostly because my house is, uh... let’s call it “vintage.” Every time I try to rush through painting, I end up discovering some new surprise—crumbling plaster, mystery stains, or a nail that seems to be holding up the entire wall. My process usually goes like this: 1) get motivated, 2) prep a tiny section, 3) realize there are five more steps than I thought, and 4) take a snack break while questioning my life choices.
I’ve been curious about those liquid deglossers though—do they really work on old oil-based trim? Half of mine is probably coated in paint from the Eisenhower era. I’m all for less dust (and fewer sneezes), but I’m always worried I’ll slap on new paint and wake up to peeling a week later. Anyone had luck with deglossers on ancient woodwork? Or am I doomed to sand forever?
Every time I try to rush through painting, I end up discovering some new surprise—crumbling plaster, mystery stains, or a nail that seems to be holding up the entire wall.
That sounds way too familiar. I swear, old houses are like treasure chests of “what now?” moments. I’ve tried liquid deglosser on 1950s trim—worked okay for knocking down the shine, but honestly, it didn’t feel as foolproof as sanding. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I kept picturing paint peeling off in sheets down the road. Now I usually do a quick scuff sand just to sleep better at night... even if it means more dust and more sneezing.