Gloss Paint for Trade Projects
Gloss paint delivers a sleek, hard-wearing finish that’s easy to clean. It’s commonly used to highlight trims, protect wood, or give a standout finish to metalwork.
Gloss paint is ideal for use in both residential and commercial spaces. With versatile applications across interior and exterior projects, these durable paints are well-suited to everything from busy hallways and kitchens to woodwork.
At The Paint Shed, we offer competitive prices on a vast range of gloss finishes from leading brands:
Shop our selection of trade-quality gloss paints and achieve a tougher, longer-lasting finish. Buy online today and enjoy free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £50.
-
-
-
New 
Scrubbable Save £4 on 2.5L
-
Colour Match 
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Water Based Gloss Tinted Colour MatchFrom £23.60 £19.67 Was £26.22-10% -
-
-
Colour Match
-
-
-
New
Colour Match
Scrubbable
-
Colour Match
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Gloss Solvent Based Tinted Colour MatchFrom £33.91 £28.26 Was £37.68-10% -
-
Recommended 
-
-
-
Colour Match
-
-
-
Colour Match
Johnstone's Trade Stormshield Flexible Gloss Tinted Colour MatchFrom £60.62 £50.52 Was £75.78-20% -
-
-
Colour Match
-
-
New
Johnstone's Trade Stormshield Aqua Guard Exterior Gloss Brilliant WhiteSpecial Price £49.92 £41.60 Was £62.40Saving: £12.48-20% -
Gloss paint is a hard-working, high-sheen finish that reflects more light than matt or satin paints. Often formulated with a higher resin content, these paints form a hard film that resists scuffs and marks, making routine cleaning easier.
Gloss paints are available in both oil and water-based formulations. Water-based formulas tend to dry faster and produce less odour, while solvent-based formulas are often chosen for their exterior durability.
Gloss paint is perfect for tricky areas such as kitchen cabinets, front doors, bannisters and overall trim work. With a little preparation, it can also work to provide depth and variation against matt walls.
Gloss finishes are formulated for trim in areas that need to stand up to regular contact and cleaning. In high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, shared rooms and busy kitchens, gloss paint helps surfaces maintain their colour and sheen for longer. It also works on metal, radiators that need repainting, plastic and properly primed plaster, making it a great all-rounder for any surface.
Not sure which finish is ideal for your needs? View our guide to the best paint finishes for various projects.
Our curated collection of gloss paints includes specialised water and oil-based gloss paints to suit the needs of any painting project. Each product is selected for quality and performance, ensuring you get excellent results no matter the surface or colour you’re working with.
Diverse Gloss Finishes
Different gloss levels suit different jobs. Choosing the right sheen helps control reflection, highlight detail and manage wear.
High Gloss
These high sheen finishes offer the most shine and a glass-like finish. Perfect for metal, doors, skirting and wood trims, they’re often used on detailed joinery where definition matters. Some of our popular high gloss finishes include:
-
Dulux Trade High Gloss is widely used on doors and cabinets where durability and shine are both important.
-
Armstead Trade High Gloss suits interior and exterior wood and metal, including primed masonry surfaces.
Satin Gloss
These lower sheen alternatives still offer stain-resistant protection with a subtler shine, making them ideal for both interior and exterior surfaces.
-
Our Dulux Satinwood Gloss Paint delivers a low-level gloss finish. Instead of having a high sheen, you’re looking at around a 25% level of sheen compared to a high gloss.
Interior & Exterior Formulations
Some paints are formulated specifically for indoor use, while others are built to withstand outdoor conditions like rain and UV exposure.
Interior Gloss Paint
Our interior gloss formulations are designed to provide excellent coverage, minimal odour and a clean finish in living spaces. Some of our popular options include:
-
Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Gloss: Offers a tough finish with quick recoat times and low VOC levels.
-
Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss: Forms part of a water-based system created for smooth flow and opacity. For best results, pair with Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat.
Exterior Gloss Paints
Outdoor gloss paints are formulated to endure harsh weather conditions and resist mould growth while keeping surfaces protected and looking fresh.
-
Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior High Gloss contains a mould-inhibiting fungicide and forms part of a protective 3-part system to provide up to 8 years of exterior performance.
-
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Gloss is a self-priming, low-VOC gloss suitable for multiple outdoor surfaces, like front doors. It is known for its fast drying and strong adhesion properties.
Suitable for Various Surfaces
Our range of gloss paints is suitable for use across a variety of surfaces where durability and easy maintenance matter. Since gloss is both resistant to everyday wear and easy to wipe down, it’s especially suitable for high-contact areas like trims, windows, woodwork and skirting boards.
-
Wooden surfaces: Gloss wood paints like Johnstone’s Trade Professional Gloss deliver a traditional solvent-based finish suited to interior and exterior woodwork.
-
Trim and joinery: Options like Crown Trade Full Gloss provide a flexible, high-opacity finish for wood and metal trim and joinery.
-
Metal surfaces: Gloss finishes help accentuate metal surfaces such as railings and handrails. Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Gloss is an oil-based, weather-resistant formula that can be tinted in a wide selection of colours. For best results, pair with Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 primer.
All of our gloss paints are available in an array of colours. Feel free to browse our collection with our handy colour finder. If you can’t find your preferred shade, just let us know, and we will mix it for you.
Need advice before tackling a job? Find us on social media or call us at 033 3320 2369 to speak with an expert representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our answers to the most common gloss-related questions.
Gloss is typically used to lift and highlight specific elements within a room, namely:
-
Doors
-
Windowsills
-
Skirting boards
-
Metal railing
-
Bannisters
Remember, gloss paints can leave brush marks if not used properly, so ensure you have reliable brushes for your paint job.
If you don’t know your full gloss from your acrylic gloss, here are some of the different gloss finishes to be aware of:
-
High/Full Gloss: Your most common gloss type. The “higher” your gloss, the shinier it will be. It is typically used on skirting and woodwork, and only infrequently applied to interior walls from top to bottom.
-
New Build Gloss: Also referred to as acrylic gloss. When you’re painting on a new surface like plaster for the first time, a gloss of this type is formulated to provide a strong bond.
-
Exterior Gloss: While you can use most gloss paints inside and outside, a dedicated exterior gloss is specifically designed to protect against the elements.
Coverage varies. A top seller like Dulux High Gloss can provide coverage of up to 18m²/litre. Always refer to the product information sheet for the most accurate figures.
Typically, two coats will provide a solid, even finish. Sometimes, you can get away with just needing one. It helps to check the manufacturer’s guidance and prep the surface beforehand with a reliable primer or undercoat.
Shop Gloss Paint at The Paint Shed
The Paint Shed is the UK’s most recommended independent paint retailer. With our expert-approved trade paint selection, premium finishes, and in-house colour-matching service, you’re sure to find the right paint for any job.
Whether you’re shopping for gloss paint online or visiting us in-store, you’ll always receive great service, excellent value and expert, product-specific advice you can count on.
Get the job done right with premium gloss paints from leading trade brands. Order online today and enjoy 5% off your first order when you sign up to our newsletter.