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Woman painting the high walls.

How to Paint Your High Walls Properly

A home with high walls and ceilings feels open, spacious, and elegant, but painting them may seem like a daunting chore at first. It isn’t, as long as you know how to safely close the gap between your brush and the surface you are painting.

A brush cannot reach high walls or ceilings, so you’ll need some tools for the job. You’ll find that painting high walls becomes an excellent workout for your body, especially if you’re out of shape!

Let’s learn how to paint high walls easily with this step-by-step tutorial.

How to Paint High Walls

Step 1- Choosing the Right Tools and Ladders

The right tools for the job will make the painting process much more manageable. Using a ladder or scaffold to access the high walls is perhaps the best and most efficient method. An extension pole will also come in handy here. But how do you know if using a ladder is suitable for your job?

Picking the Right Ladder 

 

Ladder with paint cans on the floor.

In most cases, a ladder will suffice to complete the task. Multi-function ladders or 6′ or higher are ideal for the job. You can even choose bigger stepladders to make the task more comfortable. In any case, avoid using a ladder that forces you to overextend yourself constantly – such ladders are too short. Purchase a new one.

Here are some pointers to consider when selecting a ladder:

  • It is not advisable to stand on the top two or three steps of the ladder. Standing on the topmost step is never a good idea because it can lead to a fall.
  • Make sure you measure the height of the walls and pick a ladder that is suitable for your surroundings.
  • At all costs, avoid purchasing ladders that are too short. This will force you to overextend constantly, and you’ll feel the consequences the following day.
  • However, you should avoid picking ladders that are too high. It would not be easy to stand on them comfortably. This is a distraction, so select a ladder that’s just right. Of course, you’ll need to measure first.
  • It’s always a good idea to get an adjustable ladder if you aren’t sure of the height of your walls.

How About Scaffolds?

As an alternative to a ladder, scaffolds are a much safer and more sturdy option. They will also provide a much more stable platform. Furthermore, you won’t have to climb up and down like you would on a ladder, and you will be able to work for a more extended period.

However, assembling the scaffolds can be a challenge in itself. Additionally, scaffolds are cumbersome and require a lot of carrying around, so if you don’t want to be bothered, you may as well use a ladder. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully.

Get Extension Poles

Purchasing additional extension poles is almost always required. But this is especially true if your house’s walls aren’t too high, and you can reach them with just an extension pole. In that scenario, you won’t even need a ladder or scaffolding, and all you’ll need is an extension pole.

While extension poles may not provide as much precision as you would be able to get without them, you can buy an angled brush or a threaded handle, which will make your job much easier. Also, think about using extension poles with a ladder or scaffold. You can maximize your performance and make your job easier by doing this.

If you are a homeowner in Central Ohio and searching for a residential painter, you are in the right place. Contact our professional team in Galena, OH, for a free estimate and get the job done right.

Step 2- Prepare the Painting Area

  • Prepare everything before you start this job. Cover all the furniture with plastic sheeting to prevent spills from getting on it. Make sure you clear all your tables and surfaces before transporting them to other rooms or other parts of your house.
  • Prepare the wall for painting by covering any potential holes you might find with spackling paste. Don’t be worried if these holes appear. Spackling paste will protect them effectively and make the surface smooth. Allow the paste to dry before beginning to paint.
  • As you climb the ladder, take the paint, brush, and paint bucket holder to hold the tools for you.

Step 3 – Paint the High Walls

  • When you are ready, you can start painting. Dip the brush into the paint, and draw a straight line with the angled brush. Position the brush ¼ inch from the ceiling while fanning it. Bring the bucket with you when you climb up and down. This will keep you from spilling on the floor. It can be a good workout, especially if you climb up and down a lot.
  • After cutting in, you’re ready to start painting. Change your tools to the roller and attach them to the extended pole. Start from the top down, and make sure it’s thoroughly applied. Making W shapes across the wall and then painting these shapes is an excellent way to make sure everything is covered.
  • Try to be as accurate as possible as you make your way towards the bottom. You can come down the ladder and paint the bottom section with the roller in your hand.
  • Wait for a bit, and let the paint dry a bit. That way, you’ll be able to see if you need a second coat. You’ll need to add another coat to finish the job in most cases.

It is a good idea to do two layers of cutting before you start rolling to avoid using the ladder all the time.

Richard and Sons Plus Daughter has decades of experience in residential painting. We are the go-to house painters in Central Ohio because we use only high-quality Sherman Williams paints and have a dedicated team of professionals who deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. Feel free to contact us in Canal Winchester, OH, if you would like to learn more about our company.

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