How to Get a High Gloss Paint Finish on Oak Wood

Remove any existing finish from the oak surfaces with paint stripper according to the directions on the package. Clean the wood thoroughly with TSP or an environmentally safe substitute. Rinse all surfaces, and allow the wood to dry overnight.

Sand the dry wood by hand in the direction of the grain with coarse sandpaper or a coarse sanding block. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and sand it again in the direction of the grain with medium grit sandpaper. Use an electric palm sander with the medium sandpaper if you have one available. Wipe the sanded surface with a tack cloth.

Open windows or otherwise ventilate your work area if you are working indoors. Mix paint colorant similar to the color that you have chosen for your final paint finish into white primer according to the instructions on the colorant and primer if you are unable to have your paint dealer custom-mix tintable primer for you.

Apply a thick, even coat of primer to the wood surface with a natural bristle brush. Clean the brush in mineral spirits when a thick coat of primer forms on the brush and makes it difficult to paint. Dry the brush with a soft, clean cloth and continue to apply the primer.

Allow the primer to dry for a few hours. Gently hand-sand the primed wood with fine sandpaper.

Brush an even coat of high-gloss oil-based enamel onto the primed wood with a fresh natural bristle brush. Let it dry for three to five hours. Check the surface carefully to make sure the paint has thoroughly covered the primer. Apply another coat of paint if any primer is visible through the first coat or if the color is not as bright as you want it to be.

Allow painted furniture or cabinetry to dry overnight before you use it again.