The best option is to use a varnish or lacquer to give the wood a high gloss finish. While varnish can be sprayed or brushed on, lacquer is best applied by simple spraying. Spraying makes the surface seem finer than painting as it doesn't leave any strokes behind.
Begin with a light coat of Lacquer or High Gloss Spray Paint – FOLLOW the DIRECTIONS on the SPRAY can. They can differ depending on the brand. TYPICALLY, I keep the nozzle about 5-6 inches from the item and apply dusting type strokes. NOTE: 2-3 Light coats (with light sanding between) will give you the best outcome.
Mix half as much mineral spirits as gloss in a painter's tray. Apply it to the sanded, clean surface of the wood in an even coat with a paintbrush. Apply two coats of polyurethane with a brush. After the seal coat is dry, use a clean brush to evenly apply a coat of undiluted gloss to the surface of the wood.
Apply only one thin coat. Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag. Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further.
You may need additional coats depending on how much surface drips or runs you see while you apply oil-based polyurethane. Normally, two or three coatings are enough, but if you are achieving a level of glossiness, then you add a final coat.
High gloss polishing is a technology that ensures minimal roughness and a highly decorative appearance. It allows to process simple and complex surfaces. The polishing process proceeds in stages from the coarsest to the finest surface finish using different abrasive materials.
Lightly sand the surface to eliminate imperfections on the surface using 60, 180, and 220-grit sandpaper. This will eliminate surface cuts and minor abrasions but will also result in an even and smooth surface.
Sanding with 220 and finer between coats is helpful if you want a glossy finish. Stearated paper is much superior for sanding finishes and using waterproof paper with some soapy water or mineral spirits is a great time- and money-saving trick.
On the other end of the spectrum is a high-gloss finish, which will transform your kitchen into a polished, modern space. To shine up your cabinets, paint a high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over your final coat. This technique will add depth to the color and cover the surface of your kitchen with a glassy sheen.
Varnish. It is a clear and transparent wood finish that usually comprises drying oil, resin, and thinner or solvent. You can find a variety of varnish wood finishes based on lacquer, alkyd, polyurethane, and acrylic, shellac, and resins, among others. Appearance: Glossy and high-glossy.
If you opt for a washable formula, you'll find it easier to keep clean. Semigloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, as a semigloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of use.
Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish, known around the world, is considered the ultimate in high gloss finish. This traditional marine varnish is based on tung oil, phenolic-modified alkyd resins and maximum U.V. absorbers.
Different formulations of polyurethane create different levels of luster or sheen, so choose based on your preference. Flat or matte polyurethane leaves the least shiny coating and conveys the look of natural, unfinished wood.
Prime your wood for a stunning final finish
Water-based primers are more common. They smell less as well as leaving your brushes easier to clean. Let the first coat dry completely then rub it down gently with fine grit sandpaper. Then add a second coat and again, rub it down.
Always finish off with a finer grade paper like 240 or you'll end up with scratches that will show through the undercoat and top coat. Wear a dust mask for this part of the job.
To get a desirable smooth finish when glossing a wall, wait patiently until the primer is fully dry, then lightly sand the surface to perfection with the Ultimate Aluminium Oxide Fine Paper. This Harris-approved tip will remove any pesky brush marks and give you a stunning matt surface to work with.
Lightly sanding (and dusting) between coats ensures you get the best possible result. A pack of 'tack rags' is a a worthwhile investment if you're planning on doing a lot of glossing.
Full gloss coatings contain the most amount of resin and enhancing surface imperfections is a negative impact of high gloss. The high gloss surface is much smoother and is the most resistant to abrasion when being cleaned.
A high-gloss finish is also known as the “glass-like sheen” because its sheen is the closest to 100% - the higher among other finishes. It's super durable and different from other glosses, it can be used not just on wood, but also on walls and ceilings.
Semigloss: Provides a sleek, radiant sheen that's great for cabinets and trim, high-traffic areas and high-moisture areas like bathrooms or crown molding/trim. High Gloss: Creates a brilliant, shiny appearance with a glass-like finish. Great for added vibrance on surfaces like cabinets, doors, and trim.
If you don't sand between layers of polyurethane, the surface may become streaky or discolored. This formula prevents chemical solvents from bonding to it. Once the first layer of paint is dry, you can apply a second coat to make sure everything remains. Each coat of oil-based polyurethane finishes is applied on top.
Polyurethane is Available in a Variety of Sheens
There are four basic types of polyurethane wood finishes: matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Typically, if you apply water-based polyurethane, you must wait at least 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours before recoating.