The excitement of acquiring a new home, more than often, overshadows the associated practical issues of maintenance. A home with a high ceiling is a source of grandeur and spaciousness.
At some point, you’re going to need to repair some peeling paint or fixture at a high place. Also, evicting some of the non-paying occupants, such as bees and bats, will be necessary for peace of mind.
But how do you get up there to do the necessary? Do you call the fire department?
An extension pole can reach some high areas while you remain on a stable floor. Stairwells and awkward corners may need a different access solution; do not lean over gaps or overreach to make a pole work.
Here is how you go about painting the high places without a ladder.
Clear the light fixtures and furnishings that may stand in the way of a fresh coat of paint on the wall. Besides, you don’t want the paint on the equipment. Don’t forget to protect the floor under the wall by laying clothes on it. The paintbrushes, rollers, and edgers can all be messy, and you don’t want this mess ending up on the beautiful floor.
Make sure that the cloth goes all the way to the edge of the wall. You can tape the cloth in place to prevent any possible movement leading to a mess.
Use the blue painter’s tape on the baseboards that you can easily reach without a ladder. The tape pulls up quickly without grabbing the paint and does not have any adhesive residue.
For higher walls, choose an extension pole and a compatible roller, edger or brush holder. The Wooster R091 Sherlock GT Convertible pole adjusts from 4 to 8 feet; that is the pole length, not a guarantee of how high every user can paint.
Wooster R091 Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole, 4–8 ft
- Pole adjusts from 4 to 8 feet.
- QuikClik connection for compatible Sherlock GT tools.
- Included R042 conversion tip accepts standard threaded tools.
- Use a compatible brush holder for a regular unthreaded paintbrush.
The one-touch QuikClik connection accepts compatible Sherlock GT tools. The included R042 conversion tip lets the pole connect to standard threaded tools, including the threaded Shur-Line edger below. Check and secure the connection before use.
An angled cut-in brush can help at the ceiling edge, but a regular unthreaded brush needs a suitable brush holder. Do not assume an ordinary brush screws directly onto the pole.
You will get these tools at your local hardware store. Possibly, the people at the hardware store may let you in on a few secrets about the best extension poles and associated accessories. Well, that is only if you request them.
The Painting Process
Patching the Rough Spots and Holes
Your wall may have some small imperfections and holes. It is a good idea to fill them up so that you can end up with the best results. In such a situation, it is suggested you use the spackling compound and smooth with a finger after application. A putty knife will come in handy to apply the spackling compound on bigger holes.
Read the instructions on the spackling compound container to know how long you will need to wait before you start painting. Sand it down and then use a damp rag to wipe the dust off.
Priming the Walls
Whether primer is needed depends on the surface, existing coating and paint system. Follow the paint manufacturer’s preparation and priming instructions.
Secure a compatible roller or brush holder to the extension pole and apply the primer to the high places on the wall. Apply it on the wall that you want to paint and let it dry. Ideally, don’t paint until you are sure the primer is dry. The can instructions will tell you how long you may need to wait.
Painting the Border between the Wall and the Ceiling
Carefully put some paint into a tray and start at the border between the wall and the ceiling. In ideal situations, make sure that the color of your paint is as close as possible to that of the ceiling. The goal is to prevent inadvertent smears and streaks from standing out and embarrassing you.
If there is a major contrast between the colors, you will need to be very careful. Be ready to live with any imperfections that may result.