How to Paint High Ceilings and Walls

Painting a room or ceiling in your home can seem very simple at first, until you add another 3 or 4 feet to the ceiling height. Even the most sturdy of us might feel woozy on the top of a tall ladder. Here is how to paint high ceilings and walls.

Pick your tool

You’ll need a good plan for reaching into the tall corners. One question that might come up is, if you are going to use scaffolding or a traditional ladder. Extensions poles will give you some extra reach, but even with those, it might be necessary to use a ladder or scaffolding to reach the top, or to get into the corners.

Ladder

In most cases, a ladder will give you enough help reaching the walls and high ceilings to paint. You’ll be able to use some platform or step ladder for your project. Make sure you are not required to use the ladder unsafely (above the noted step) or overextend yourself to reach.

When working on a ladder, it’s important to be in good health and physical condition.

Important: Place your ladder on solid flooring off of rugs or other slip hazards.

Scaffolds

If you are working in a really large room, a scaffold might be of benefit. A scaffold can offer a sturdy surface to support you and your painting tools. Make sure you assemble the scaffold according to manufacturer’s instructions.

The downside to a scaffold is the equipment is cumbersome and difficult to move from wall to wall. Some hardware stores will have scaffolding set ups available for rent or purchase. Make sure it is not only completely assembled, but locked into place and immobile before you attempt to climb on it.

Room preparation

Protect your furniture, floors and trim from splatters by covering and using masking tape where needed. Spills and splatters are even more prevalent when working up high. Use drop cloths to protect the entire floor, more than just immediately under the walls. Remove fixtures, art, and other items you don’t want to get any paint on.

Now that the room is cleared, the next step is to clean! Wash the walls down using a mild detergent and sponge. Let them dry for at least an hour before moving forward.

Prime and Paint

If you are painting the ceiling, begin there with primer. Cut in the walls with a paint brush and move to a roller for the majority of the ceiling. Follow the same method to paint.

Walls

Once your ceiling is painted and dried, you might need to tape it off, if you are painting the walls a different color. First prime the walls, using the cut in method to outline the trim, doors, and other architectural elements. Follow up with the roller for the larger areas.

Feeling overwhelmed?

If your project seems like too much to handle for any reason, call us! We offer free, in-home estimates and our interior painters are ready to work with you on your painting project.

Call today to schedule! 619-966-4252