Here in this post, I will guide you guys to get a high gloss finish with your spray paint with step by step process.
And very easy to understand for newbies who were hesitant to do this job by themselves.

Newcomers in this career should follow each step explained in this guide in order to achieve a perfect glossy finish on the desired surface on which they want to paint.
I have tried and tested some glossy spray paints which can help you in getting the high gloss finish more easily.
I have ranked them according to their performance and number one on the list is Krylon K01305 which is also the best spray paint for plastic shutters.
The second, the best is Minwax 35555000 which I found very glossy. The third best spray paint for gloss is Rust-Oleum 249117 which gave satisfactory results.
Spray paint revitalizes your home in no time! It’s quick and easy to use, and easily covers surfaces such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Most cans of spray paint provide a matte finish – the brand that you buy depends on the look you want to achieve.
The label will indicate how glossy or matte the paint is once it’s dry. Either way, for a piece that looks like new again, here are some tips for an extra shine:
Contents
- 1 How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint?
- 2 Method to get high gloss finish with a spray can paint
- 3 Step 1: Prime the surface
- 4 Step 2: Paint the item
- 5 Step 3: Let the paint dry
- 6 Step 4: Touching up spots
- 7 Step 5: Spray clear gloss finish
- 8 How do you make spray can clear coat look glossy?
- 9 What do you spray on paint to make it shiny?
- 10 Why is my spray paint not shiny?
- 11 How do you make spray can clear coat look glossy?
- 12 How do you make a super high gloss finish?
- 13 FAQ’s of How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint
- 14 Verdict on How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint
How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint?
Method to get high gloss finish with a spray can paint
A high gloss finish is a spray paint effect that is usually achieved using special paints that are sprayed on a hot surface.
While it can be achieved by using a variety of methods, one of the most effective is to apply the paint to hot asphalt in a parking lot.
The asphalt will absorb the paint, resulting in a high gloss finish when it is applied to a surface.
The best way for getting a high gloss finish with spray paints is by using a polyester clear coat. A clear coat helps the paint to dry quickly and protects it from the elements.
You should make sure to use the polyester clear coat, not the polyurethane one since polyurethane will make the surface dull.
Step 1: Prime the surface
Let’s prime those surfaces! To begin, we want to make sure that we are going to cover all areas with our gloss.
There might be some spots or bumps on the surface that an uneven paint job may not fill in any other way.
Enamel spray paints in your selected color can apply smoothly over even the most uneven surfaces and will do more than simply create a shine when it dries.
This gives you the ideal base for a perfect final paint job that you can use as you please.
Step 2: Paint the item
To get your item looking shiny and new again, apply one to two coats of spray paint in whatever color you choose.
Opt for a name-brand paint that will ensure proper coverage and increase the durability of the painted item.
High-gloss sprays tend to shine through wear and tear from frequent cleanings or other uses over time without losing their luster.

Step 3: Let the paint dry
Let the fresh piece of artwork fully dry overnight in a clean and well-ventilated space.
It will be sticky for a few hours, so it’s best to leave it inside away from dirt and other elements that may stick to the wet paint.
Step 4: Touching up spots
Every so often I look down at my spray paints and think about how much fun I had making this piece.
Working with a spray can is a blast, but it’s important to touch up all of your details before you add that top coat and really seal things in.
Sometimes it’d be easy for me to forget about spots that need an extra helping of color if I don’t take the time to make sure everything comes out just so!
Step 5: Spray clear gloss finish
Take a can of your favorite finishing spray and lightly coat the wood with a layer of clear gloss to give it a professional finish. This protective layer will also help prevent dulling or scratching.
How do you make spray can clear coat look glossy?
To make a spray can clear coat look glossy, follow these steps:
- Start by preparing the surface you will be spraying. Make sure it is clean, dry, and free of any dirt or debris. Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure that the clear coat will adhere properly.
- Shake the spray can well to mix the clear coat thoroughly.
- Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and apply the clear coat in thin, even coats. Avoid applying the clear coat too thickly, as this can result in drips or an uneven finish.
- Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying additional coats. It’s generally a good idea to apply at least 2-3 coats of clear coat to achieve a glossy finish.
- Between each coat, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and ensure that the next coat adheres properly.
- Once you have applied the desired number of coats, allow the clear coat to dry completely. This can take several hours or even a day, depending on the humidity and temperature.
- After the clear coat has dried, you can apply a layer of wax or polish to give it an even glossier finish.
Remember to follow the instructions on the spray can carefully and use the clear coat in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
What do you spray on paint to make it shiny?
To make the paint shiny, you can apply a clear coat or a layer of wax over the top of the paint.
The clear coat is a clear, protective finish that is applied over the top of the paint to add shine and protect the paint from damage.
It is typically sprayed on using a spray can or applied with a paintbrush or roller.
Wax is a protective finish that is applied over the top of the paint to add shine and protect the paint from damage.
It is typically applied using a cloth or sponge and then buffed to a shine using a clean, dry cloth.
Both clear coat and wax can be applied to any type of paint, including oil-based and water-based paints. However, it’s important to make sure that the paint is completely dry before applying either of these finishes.
Remember to follow the instructions on the clear coat or wax carefully and use them in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Why is my spray paint not shiny?
There are several reasons why spray paint might not be shiny:
- The paint was applied too thickly: If the paint is applied too thickly, it can dry with an uneven, dull finish. To avoid this, make sure to apply the paint in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- The surface was not properly prepared: If the surface was not clean, dry, and free of dirt or debris, the paint may not adhere properly and will not have a smooth, shiny finish.
- The paint is low-quality or old: Using low-quality or old paint can result in a dull finish. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality paint for the best results.
- The paint was not allowed to dry completely: Make sure to give the paint enough time to dry before handling or using the item. This can take several hours or even a day, depending on the humidity and temperature.
- The clear coat or wax was not applied: Applying a clear coat or wax over the top of the paint can give it an extra shine. Make sure to follow the instructions on the clear coat or wax carefully and apply it in thin, even coats.
How do you make spray can clear coat look glossy?
To make a spray can clear coat look glossy, follow these steps:
- Clean the surface to be coated: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or oils that may affect adhesion.
- Sand the surface: Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a surface that the clear coat can adhere to.
- Apply a base coat: Apply a base coat of paint that matches the color of the surface to be coated. This will help the clear coat adhere better.
- Apply multiple light coats of clear coat: Hold the can approximately 8-10 inches from the surface and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Apply multiple light coats, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. Avoid applying too much in one pass as this can cause drips and sags.
- Allow the clear coat to dry completely: Allow the clear coat to dry completely, following the recommended drying time on the label.
- Buff the surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper or polishing compound to gently buff the surface to a high gloss.
- Apply a final coat of clear: Apply a final thin coat of clear for added protection and to enhance the gloss.
How do you make a super high gloss finish?
To make a super high gloss finish, follow these steps:
- Start with a clean surface: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or oils that may affect adhesion.
- Sand the surface: Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a surface that the clear coat can adhere to.
- Apply a base coat: Apply a base coat of paint that matches the color of the surface to be coated. This will help the clear coat adhere better.
- Apply multiple light coats of clear coat: Hold the can approximately 8-10 inches from the surface and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Apply multiple light coats, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. Avoid applying too much in one pass as this can cause drips and sags.
- Allow the clear coat to dry completely: Allow the clear coat to dry completely, following the recommended drying time on the label.
- Buff the surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper or polishing compound to gently buff the surface to a high gloss.
- Apply a final coat of clear: Apply a final thin coat of clear for added protection and to enhance the gloss.
- Polish the surface: Use a high-speed buffer with a polishing compound to achieve a super high gloss finish. Repeat the polishing process multiple times, using a clean, soft cloth to remove the compound each time, until the desired level of gloss is achieved.
Note: The type of clear coat and polishing compound you use can have a significant impact on the final gloss.
Consider using a high-gloss clear coat and a premium polishing compound specifically designed for achieving a super high gloss finish.
FAQ’s of How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint
Verdict on How to get a high gloss finish with spray paint
Here is the complete step-by-step guide to making your desired surface look glossy and eye catchy with calming the sight for you.
If you still find any issues in following this guide then just let me know in the comments section and I will clear out your confusion at first sight.
Professionals should also give tips to our newcomer fellows so that they can achieve the look they want from their desired surface.

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.