How To Paint High Walls Safely In Just 3 Steps
Do you have high walls and ceilings in your home but don’t know how to maximize it? High walls and ceilings have its advantages. It opens up your space to make it appear large and spacious.
Once you walk into a room with a ceiling as high as two stories, you’ll most likely feel impressed by the design, layout, and structure. However, you’ll probably wonder how you are going to clean, paint, and maintain your walls and ceiling the safest way possible. The thought itself ca be quite intimidating.
As long as you know how to do it properlyand in the safest way, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. It may be more challenging than what you’re used to but nevertheless, it can be done. In this article, we’ll teach you how to paint high walls safely without breaking your neck.
Painting Your Walls
People adore houses with high ceilings and tons of windows, especially since it brings in the natural light. However, when it comes to maintenance, many homeowners often end up spending andhiring expensive painting services to do the job. If you love doing DIY home improvement projects like me, then don’t let this thought threaten you. You can do this task by yourself.
Painting high walls will take more than your usual hand-held paint brush. With the right set of tools and confidence, you’ll be able to finish this painting project in no time.
Here’s a list of materials you’ll need to complete this task successfully:
- Wall Paint
- Primer/sealer
- Roller
- Tray
- Cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Ladder or Scaffold
- Ladder cover
- Extension pole
- Gloves
- Eyewear
- Mask
- Tarp or plastic sheet
- Water
- Pail
- Mild detergent
Step-by-Step Guide:

Via: pixabay.com
1. Use a reliable ladder or scaffold.
A ladder or scaffold with an extension pole is the best way for you to reach the top of your walls. Here’s a quick look at their difference.
A ladder is often the first choice for many homeowners. Pick a ladder that can be used in many ways such as a platform, step or multi-function ladders. Invest in a high-quality ladder and never buy the cheap ones. Remember, your safety relies on the type of ladder you buy.
Check the weight specs of the ladder before you decide to purchase it. Some professional ladders can hold up to a maximum of 300 pounds while other ladders for home use can support 200 pounds.
Avoid the top three steps of your ladder and make sure there is only one person on it. Never exceed its weight limit because it can cause you and your ladder to topple over.
Scaffolds, on the other hand, are a bit more tedious to set up. This is why most DIY homeowners prefer to use a ladder. In case they need to use a scaffold, they often rent it instead.
A scaffold is best used when you are planning on working in an area for longer periods of time. The good thing about this material is that it can provide you a more efficient and convenient working space. You can easily place and set up your tools and supplies on the platform.
2. Prepare the room you are going to paint on.
Start by covering your floors and ceiling with a tarp or plastic sheets. Remove any furniture or put a cover on top of it as well. Seal everything off with painter’s tape. (See more: How to paint without tape)
Bring down all your wall décor and lighting fixture so that nothing gets in your way. Before you temporarily remove the lighting fixture, turn off the electricity and take out the bulbs.
Clean your walls. Once everything is set, bring out a pail of water mixed with mild detergent soap. Use a clean cloth to wash and clean your walls.
Make sure you get rid of all the dust, dirt, oil, grease, and molds in your wall. Otherwise, your paint will not adhere to the surface too well.
There’s nothing worse than putting all your effort into painting your walls only to end up peeling because it didn’t stick well to the wall. After rinsing your wall, allow it to dry for at least an hour before you start painting on it. Don’t forget to wear eye protection, mask, and gloves for safety.
3. Prime and paint your walls.

Via: pixabay.com
Apply a latex primer and sealer to your wall. This helps your paint adhere to your wall better and last longer. If your walls have existing stains, a primer/sealer can help ensure that it won’t be visible through your new coat of paint.
Use a roller and extension pole to apply your primer. The pole will help extend your reach so that you can paint the upper portion of your wall efficiently. Dip the roller in paint and start painting from the top of your wall and work your way downwards until you reach the floor. Finish one wall before you proceed to the next.
Let the primer dry after a couple of hours and then start applying your paint. If you missed a spot, touch it up while it is still wet. If a second coating is necessary, repeat the same process. However, let your first coat of paint sit overnight before you apply the second layer.
Afterward, seal your paint cans, remove the painter’s tape, and take off the tarp and plastic sheets. Clean your paint rollers with soap and water and rinse the paint off the rollers until it becomes clear.
Safety First
When you’re painting high walls and ceilings, you should always consider your safety first. Make sure that there is someone present inside your house while you are painting and standing on your ladder just in case something happens. At the same time, an extra pair of hands can hold the ladder while you climb up the stairs.
Having the right tools and equipment will help ensure you a successful painting job. Just make sure you follow the steps above. If you find this article helpful and informative, please share this with your friends. For questions or comments, feel free to drop us a message and we’ll be happy to answer you back.