Painting in a corner using a step stool.
Choosing paint your high ceiling should be based on factors such as height of the ceiling, the amount of space you have to work with in certain areas, and the tools you have or need to purchase. The most widely used tool for painting a ceiling is an extension rod, which can extend your reach by 2 feet up to more than 20 feet. Larger jobs will need ladders or scaffolding.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The most common method to paint an average high ceiling is to use a fiberglass or metal extension rod that connects to a roller brush. Buy these at a hardware or paint store. If the ceiling is higher than a standard ceiling you may have to use an extension ladder or scaffold to reach your project.
Set the extension ladder bottom first onto a tread of the stairs and lean it against the wall or stairwell to secure it, make sure you wrap the ladder legs that are leaning against the wall with something soft to prevent damaging the wall. Secure paint can rings to the ladder to hold the paint cans next to you so you are not holding the can in one hand and the brush in another.
In larger stairwells it may be impossible to reach the top of some walls using an alone. You might need scaffolding to reach. Use industrial scaffolding if you have the room or make your own scaffold by setting up two parallel 10- foot ladders and a few 2-by-8 boards in between the rungs to give you a place to stand.
Another option is a machine called the "Genie Runabout." They are small enough to fit in normal doorways and inside passenger elevators, have a zero turning radius so you can maneuver in tight spaces, and the driver has full control when lifted into the air for painting.
Preparing and Painting
Place thick drop cloths onto the floor surrounding the area to be painted. Mask off all areas that you will not be painting. Blue painters tape is good because it is visible and stays on strong. Put up heavy plastic to keep the walls from getting splashes on them from the brushes or rollers.
Edge the corners of the ceiling with a brush before using a roller. Paint a large enough space around all corners.to make it easier for the roller to do its job. Paint the ceiling evenly with the roller once, then let dry before applying a second coat. Always paint the ceiling at least twice for a nice finish. For best results use ceiling paint.
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