Mirror Gloss Front Doors

Mirror-Smooth High Gloss Finishes With Swedish Putty

Swedish putty is our secret weapon for achieving ultra-smooth, mirror-like gloss finishes on doors and woodwork. It is a fine oil-based surfacer that levels pores, grain and brush marks so the final paint can shine without any texture showing through.

HarriDec has been using this technique since 2013, refining it on countless projects across Essex. Whether it is a front door, high-end joinery or feature trim, our Swedish putty process turns ordinary painted surfaces into glass-smooth, piano-style finishes that clients cannot stop touching.

What Is Swedish Putty?

Swedish putty is a linseed oil based fine surface filler, also known as gras à laquer or brushing putty. It is applied as a very thin skim over a primed or previously painted surface.

The putty fills tiny pores, grain lines and hairline imperfections, then dries rock hard so it can be sanded perfectly smooth. When you lay high gloss paint over this level base, light reflects cleanly and the surface looks deep and glassy.

We now use modern versions such as Prestonett gras à laquer and Sikkens Kodrin Spachtel, and can also mix traditional putty blends when needed.

Why Use It Instead Of Just More Paint?

Even the best gloss paint cannot hide texture underneath. Brush marks, grain and tiny dips will always show through, especially in strong light. Swedish putty gives us a superfine canvas to paint on.

By skim coating and sanding before the topcoats, we create a surface that feels like polished stone. This extra step is ideal for feature doors, cabinets and trim that need to look special.

The gloss then flows out evenly, with no telegraphed defects, producing a finish that looks closer to sprayed lacquer than standard brush work.

Careful Surface Preparation And Skim Application

Before we touch the putty, we treat the surface like any high quality decorating job: cleaning, sanding and priming as required. Once the base coats are sound and dull, we skim on Swedish putty in an ultra-thin film using broad, flexible filling knives.

The aim is to press the material into every pore while leaving almost none sitting proud. Done correctly, the surface looks hazy and slightly white, not thickly coated. One skim is often enough on sound paintwork, with a second coat reserved for problem areas that need extra levelling.

Key Benefits Of The Swedish Putty Method

Mirror-smooth base for high gloss finishes
Removes grain, brush marks and minor defects
Ideal for feature doors, cabinets and trim
Works under oil or water based enamels
Proven technique refined over a decade

This method adds time to the job, but the difference in the final finish is huge. Clients often notice it as soon as they touch the surface, even if they do not know why it feels so good.

Wet Sanding For A Glass-Smooth Surface

After the skim has fully cured, we wet sand using very fine abrasive papers, usually 320 – 400 grit. A light mist of water keeps the surface cool and stops the filler from clogging.

As we sand, a white slurry forms, which we wipe away to check progress. The goal is to leave putty only in the low spots and pores, not as a thick layer. By the end, the surface feels completely flat and silky to the touch, ready to show off the gloss rather than fight against it.

Dust-Free Cleanup And Final Preparation

Once wet sanding is complete, we allow the surface to dry and then vacuum thoroughly, including panel lines and edges. A final pass with tack cloths removes any remaining fine residue.

At this stage the surface often looks chalky but feels like polished marble. Re-priming is not needed and would simply add texture back in. The substrate is now in its best possible condition for high gloss finishing.

High Gloss Painting Over Swedish Putty

With the surface fully prepared, we move straight to the topcoats, often using high quality enamels such as Sikkens Rubbol systems. The gloss flows out beautifully over the slick base, and only minimal de-nibbing is needed between coats.

Not Just For Gloss: Satin And Eggshell Too

Although this method is famous for full gloss doors, it works under other sheens as well. When clients want satin or eggshell but still expect furniture grade smoothness, we use Swedish putty in exactly the same way, then finish with their chosen lower sheen topcoat.

The surface does not reflect like a mirror, but it still looks incredibly even and feels like a factory finish. The filler is compatible with both solvent and water based finishes, provided it is fully dry before painting.

Where We Use Swedish Putty In Practice

We reserve this technique for areas that really justify the extra work: front doors, internal feature doors, high impact trim, bespoke joinery and quality cabinetry. It is also useful for upgrading older surfaces that have been painted many times and now show heavy texture. Rather than stripping back to bare wood, a Swedish putty skim can level everything out and give the surface a fresh start, ready for a high-end finish.

HarriDec’s Experience And Client Feedback

Since first writing about Swedish putty in 2013, we have used and refined the process on project after project. We have worked with different branded products and traditional mixes, but the principle has stayed the same: meticulous preparation yields exceptional gloss. Clients regularly comment on how smooth their doors feel and how much the finish stands out. For us, that reaction is the best proof that this extra step is worth it. When you want a door or piece of woodwork to become a true feature, our Swedish putty method is the standard we rely on.

Get in Touch

If you’re ready to enhance the look of your home or business interior with a fresh décor update, contact us today.

Simply fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements. At HarriDec, we are committed to helping you achieve an interior space that is both beautiful and perfectly tailored to your needs – on time, on budget, and with first-class workmanship every time.