If you’ve ever thought about painting tall walls or ceilings but shied away because it looks too complicated, you’re in the right place! Discover the juiciest secrets to achieve that flawless finish you’ve always dreamed of. From tackling high walls like a boss to nailing those pesky corners, this post will have you saying, ‘Hey, look what I can do!’
When we were redoing our stairs, I knew I wanted to get rid of the beige that was on the walls. I have slowly been painting over all the beige in our house, changing it to a nice shade of bright white. Our stairs were one of the last places to have the beige, mostly because the walls were so tall!
Tackling a high wall or ceiling might seem like a lot of work or seem intimidating, especially if you have a fear of heights, but it really doesn’t need to be. As long as you have the right tools and a bit of time, you too can paint your tall walls and ceiling. Seeing the walls and ceiling in a bright shade of white (especially when the stairs were finished!) made the project all worth it.
How to Paint High Walls and Ceilings
- The stairs were already torn apart when we painted our high walls and ceiling, so I didn’t worry too much about paint getting on them. If your high walls and ceiling are in a room with carpet or flooring, you don’t want to get messy, lay down painter’s plastic or tarps to protect your floors and furniture.
- You’ll want to start by checking the walls and ceilings for any cracks or holes. Patch these areas using spackle or joint compound and allow time for drying. Sand the patched areas until smooth.
- If you are priming your walls, you will want to do that first. I’d recommend primer if your walls are dark or have uneven colors.
- Start using a paintbrush to cut in along the edges of the walls, ceiling, and corners. Do this by painting a straight line along the edges before using the roller for larger surfaces. This edging tool is a game-changer!
- Load your paint roller evenly with paint and start rolling it onto the walls and ceilings in a “W” or “M” pattern. This ensures even distribution and prevents streaks.
- To avoid dried lap marks, work in small sections and keep a wet edge as you progress across the wall or ceiling. Blend each section smoothly with the previous one.
- Attach an extension pole to your paint roller to reach high areas on the walls and ceilings without straining or overstretching.
- If you need to use a ladder to reach the highest points of your walls and ceiling, grab a friend to help you. If you have to climb the ladder, and then go back down every time you need more paint, it’s going to take forever.
- Depending on the paint color and surface, you may need to apply multiple coats for full coverage and a consistent finish. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Tips and Tricks
- Clean the walls and ceilings thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and dust. Repair any cracks or holes and sand down uneven areas for a smooth surface.
- Invest in good quality paint and painting tools such as brushes, rollers, and drop cloths. Quality materials make the job easier and ensure a better finish.
- Paint colors can look different under various lighting conditions. Consider how natural light affects the color in the room before making a final decision on your paint color.
What are the best tools and equipment for painting high walls and ceilings?
If you are going to paint your high walls or ceiling, there are a few tools you’ll need in addition to your typical paint supplies (brushes, roller, painter’s tape, etc.). The biggest thing you’ll need is a good, sturdy ladder. I recommend an extension ladder with adjustable height to provide better support and reduce straining to reach those high points. This brand is our favorite. A sturdy ladder makes painting tall walls and ceilings a lot less scary too.
This edging tool works great and can be attached to a long extension pole. I’ve also seen these brush extenders and they look pretty handy, although I haven’t personally tested them out.
If you’re comfortable manipulating a roller that is a bit larger and heavier, I highly recommend using this 18-inch paint roller frame. It makes painting a large wall surface go so much faster! I use it any time I have multiple walls to paint. And don’t forget the 18-inch roller brushes and a large enough paint tray!
You’ll also need an extension pole for your roller. It allows you to reach high areas without overstretching. The last tool I’d recommend is a friend who can help you refill your roller. This makes it so much easier on your body, not having to climb up and down the ladder.
How do I prevent drips and streaks when using a roller on high walls and ceilings?
There are a couple things you can do to help prevent drips and streaks. Choose a roller cover appropriate for your surface. For smooth walls, use a short-nap roller cover, while textured surfaces may require a longer-nap cover. You can also roll off any excess paint on the textured part of the paint tray. This step helps prevent drips and allows for better control. The biggest thing, though, is to go back over and fix any streaks or drips you notice. You’ll have them, no matter how precise you are. If you notice any drips or runs, use a brush to smooth out the area or gently roll over it with a dry roller to absorb excess paint.
There you have it! Painting tall walls and ceilings is doable. If you decide to paint your high walls and ceilings, too, we’d love to see how it turns out! Be sure to use #howwedoandyoucantoo on Instagram so we can see your beautiful space.
Speaking of painting, want a few tips to picking the perfect paint color? Check out my blog post on How to pick the perfect paint color.
