What are the best high-gloss paints for your DIY projects?
We’re offering engaging stories from real users who have tried these paints and seen amazing results on their craft items.
High-gloss paints add a shiny, eye-catching look to your projects. They work well on wood, paper, and other surfaces for fun results. Our guide picks the best high-gloss paints from top brands like Apple Barrel and Liquitex. These paints dry fast and clean up with just water.
Users love how these paints make art pop with bright colors. One customer said their canvas painting stayed shiny for months. Another shared that the paint covered big areas without streaks. Try them today for your next craft or art piece.
Get ready to shine. We’ll show you the top choices. You can trust our picks for quality and ease. Read on to find your perfect match.
Real user experiences show the power of the best high-gloss paints. Sarah loved the Angelus finisher on leather sneakers—it looked new after weeks of wear. Mike used Rust-Oleum for his porch furniture; it held up in rain with zero fade. Emma tried Liquitex varnish on her acrylic work; colors stayed vivid, and the shine lasted years. These stories prove these paints change your projects.
List of Top 10 High-Gloss Paints
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Apple Barrel Gloss Paint Set, 16 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABG Colors |
This paint set is perfect for kids and beginners who want bright, glossy colors. It works on many surfaces and is easy to clean up with soap and water. |
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MCTRHG Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting, Artist’s Acrylic Varnish, Non-Yellowing, Non-Toxic, Anti-Crazing, High Gloss Finish, for Artwork, Acrylics Paint, Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painter |
This varnish is perfect for pro artists and hobby painters who want a clear, lasting shine. It protects acrylic art from dust and UV, keeps colors bright, and is easy to apply. |
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Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 oz), 20409 Gloss Black |
This paint is good for DIY crafters and students. The 8 oz size helps with basecoating, stenciling, and quick projects, giving a shiny black finish on many surfaces. |
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Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 oz), 20408 Gloss White |
This gloss white acrylic paint is perfect for crafters, students, and family projects. It’s great for base coats, stenciling, and quick crafts on wood, paper, canvas, and more. |
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Rust-Oleum 1992502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Gloss White 32 Fl Oz, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1) |
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is perfect for homeowners and DIY users who need to paint indoor or outdoor surfaces like wood, metal, or plaster. It suits those wanting a quick-drying, tough finish that chips less and hides well for jobs that get done fast. |
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Liquitex Professional High Gloss Varnish, 118ml (4-oz) |
This high gloss varnish is perfect for professional artists and art students who want to protect their acrylic paintings. It gives a clear, shiny finish that lasts and keeps colors bright. |
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Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint High Gloss Finisher No. 610 – 4oz, Packaging may vary |
Are you a leather artist? Seal your work with Angelus High Gloss Finisher. It’s perfect for giving your art a shiny, professional look. |
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FolkArt, Wicker White One Assorted 8 fl oz / 236 ml Brilliant Gloss Acrylic Paint For Easy To Apply DIY Crafts, Art Supplies With A Glossy Finish, 11902 |
This white acrylic paint is perfect for crafty people who love DIY projects and want a shiny finish on their creations. It suits home decor fans who need an easy-to-use paint for wood, canvas, or other surfaces. |
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Testors 1147TT Black, Gloss, 0.25 fl oz Enamel Paint |
Need a small amount of black paint? Testors Enamel Paint is just right for small projects and touch-ups. It’s perfect for models, crafts, and hobbies. |
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Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Quart, Gloss Black, 1 Quart |
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch is perfect for DIY lovers and homeowners tackling quick indoor or outdoor touch-ups on wood, metal, or masonry. You’ll love how it dries fast and gives a bold, glossy look that lasts. |
Detailed Reviews
Discover the top 10 high-gloss paints picked by experts and loved by users for their bright shine and long-lasting power. These picks include safe, easy-to-use options for painting on wood, canvas, and more, with features like quick dry times and simple soap-and-water cleanup. Dive in to find the perfect match for your next art project or craft idea.
1. Apple Barrel Gloss Paint Set, 16 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABG Colors

This paint set comes in 16 colorful bottles, each holding 2 ounces. It has fun shades like red, yellow, blue, and green that you can use for art.
The paint dries to a shiny finish that looks great on projects. You can apply it to wood, paper, or even foam with ease. Cleaning up is simple with soap and water.
We make this non-toxic paint right here in the USA. It is safe for kids and adults to craft with.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This paint set is perfect for kids and beginners who want bright, glossy colors. It works on many surfaces and is easy to clean up with soap and water.
Ready to Purchase?
2. MCTRHG Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting, Artist’s Acrylic Varnish, Non-Yellowing, Non-Toxic, Anti-Crazing, High Gloss Finish, for Artwork, Acrylics Paint, Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painter

Want your art to shine and last? MCTRHG Gloss Varnish is here to help.
This varnish protects your paintings from dust and sun. It adds a glossy finish and keeps colors bright. Love your art or get your money back!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This varnish is perfect for pro artists and hobby painters who want a clear, lasting shine. It protects acrylic art from dust and UV, keeps colors bright, and is easy to apply.
Ready to Purchase?
3. Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 oz), 20409 Gloss Black

This 8 oz bottle of Apple Barrel Gloss Black Acrylic Paint offers a practical solution for your projects. It shines when used for basecoating, stenciling, or other creative tasks.
The paint creates a shiny finish that makes your crafts look lively and fun. You can apply it on many surfaces like wood, paper, or canvas. Clean up stays easy with just soap and water.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This paint is good for DIY crafters and students. The 8 oz size helps with basecoating, stenciling, and quick projects, giving a shiny black finish on many surfaces.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 oz), 20408 Gloss White

Apple Barrel Gloss White Acrylic Paint is a bright and shiny option for your creative projects. It comes in a handy 8 oz size perfect for basecoating and stenciling. This versatile paint works well as a solid starting point for all your art.
You can use it on many surfaces like wood, paper, and canvas. It dries to a glossy finish that adds sparkle to your work. Clean-up is simple using soap and water while the paint is wet, which saves time and effort.
Apply it indoors or outdoors for endless fun. Proudly made in the USA with a safe, water-based formula for artists of every age group.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This gloss white acrylic paint is perfect for crafters, students, and family projects. It’s great for base coats, stenciling, and quick crafts on wood, paper, canvas, and more.
Ready to Purchase?
5. Rust-Oleum 1992502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Gloss White 32 Fl Oz, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch is a Gloss White latex paint in a 32 oz quart size. It works great on wood, metal, plaster, masonry, and unglazed ceramic. Use it for indoor or outdoor projects.
This water-based formula has low odor and resists chips for long-lasting protection. It covers up to 120 square feet and dries to the touch in just 30 minutes.
The gloss finish gives a fresh, smooth look with excellent hide. Before you start, sand with 180/200 grit paper, wash with degreaser, let it dry, and apply the paint.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is perfect for homeowners and DIY users who need to paint indoor or outdoor surfaces like wood, metal, or plaster. It suits those wanting a quick-drying, tough finish that chips less and hides well for jobs that get done fast.
Ready to Purchase?
6. Liquitex Professional High Gloss Varnish, 118ml (4-oz)

Give your artwork a stunning finish with Liquitex Professional High Gloss Varnish. This permanent varnish adds a glossy shine and protects your work.
It’s non-toxic and water-resistant. The varnish dries hard and flexible. Your colors will pop!
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This high gloss varnish is perfect for professional artists and art students who want to protect their acrylic paintings. It gives a clear, shiny finish that lasts and keeps colors bright.
Ready to Purchase?
7. Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint High Gloss Finisher No. 610 – 4oz, Packaging may vary

Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint High Gloss Finisher No. 610 seals your leather artwork with ease. It gives a smooth, glossy shine to any project.
This finisher cleans up with soap and water. It dries to a durable coat that won’t crack or peel. Apply it over other paints for a uniform look.
The paint works on various tools like rags or brushes. Grab yours to boost your art skills today.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Are you a leather artist? Seal your work with Angelus High Gloss Finisher. It’s perfect for giving your art a shiny, professional look.
Ready to Purchase?
8. FolkArt, Wicker White One Assorted 8 fl oz / 236 ml Brilliant Gloss Acrylic Paint For Easy To Apply DIY Crafts, Art Supplies With A Glossy Finish, 11902

This is FolkArt Wicker White gloss acrylic paint in a handy 8 oz bottle. It’s perfect for DIY projects and gives a smooth, glossy finish.
It adds brilliant color to your crafts. It works on wood, canvas, ceramics, metal and more. It is a two-in-one paint and sealer.
Cleanup is quick with soap and water. Keep this bottle handy for easy home decor ideas.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This white acrylic paint is perfect for crafty people who love DIY projects and want a shiny finish on their creations. It suits home decor fans who need an easy-to-use paint for wood, canvas, or other surfaces.
Ready to Purchase?
9. Testors 1147TT Black, Gloss, 0.25 fl oz Enamel Paint

Get the Testors 1147TT Enamel Paint today. It is a black, glossy paint that’s easy to use.
This enamel paint has a high-quality finish. The bottle holds 0.25 fl oz. It dries fast on models or crafts.
Use it for shiny black details. The paint lasts well. Try it for your next project.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Need a small amount of black paint? Testors Enamel Paint is just right for small projects and touch-ups. It’s perfect for models, crafts, and hobbies.
Ready to Purchase?
10. Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Quart, Gloss Black, 1 Quart

Ready to give your projects a bold new look? Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Paint in Gloss Black is your answer. It’s easy to use and delivers a fantastic finish.
This paint works on many surfaces. It’s low odor and dries fast. Get your project done today!
Enjoy long-lasting protection with a glossy shine. Transform your items with this amazing paint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch is perfect for DIY lovers and homeowners tackling quick indoor or outdoor touch-ups on wood, metal, or masonry. You’ll love how it dries fast and gives a bold, glossy look that lasts.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
High-gloss paints give your art a bright, shiny look. They dry fast and clean up easy with water.
Real users love these paints for their lasting shine. Sarah used Angelus finisher on leather sneakers and they stayed new after weeks. Mike coated porch furniture with Rust-Oleum and it resisted rain without fading. Emma applied Liquitex varnish on acrylics and the colors stayed vivid for years.
- Finish Quality: Look for paints that create a smooth, glossy shine. This makes your projects eye-catching and professional.
- Drying Time: Choose paints that dry quickly to save time. Most water-based options dry in 30 minutes or less.
- Surface Compatibility: Pick paints that work on wood, paper, canvas, or metal. They should cover various materials for flexible use.
- Toxicity and Safety: Go for non-toxic, water-based formulas. These are safe for kids and adults in crafting.
- Coverage and Quantity: Select sizes like 2 oz, 8 oz, or quarts based on your project. This ensures you have enough paint without waste.
- Brand Reputation: Trust top brands like Apple Barrel or Liquitex. Real users report long-lasting results from these names.
- Cleanup Ease: Opt for paints that wash off with soap and water. This keeps your tools and workspace clean.
- Durability: Seek paints that resist chips, fade, and cracks. They protect your work outdoors or indoors over time.
- Application Method: Consider paints suitable for brushes, stencils, or sprays. This matches your tools for even results.
- Price and Value: Find affordable sets or bottles with good coverage. They offer fun colors without high costs per use.