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?
Most people will use ladders to access the lofty heights. However, not all of us like the idea of using a ladder. Furthermore, there are places in the house that are inaccessible with a ladder. For example, you cannot use a ladder on the wall along the stairs, unless you are looking for broken limbs and teeth.
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.
You are also going to need an angled cut-in brush and a screw-on extender pole. Well, something like the Wooster Brush R091 Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole is going to give you a better reach.
It is convenient and easy to use. You can change the various components or tools using a one-touch button, and that makes it very easy for you. If you’re not ready to purchase the extension pole, you can rent it. However, make sure that it is compatible with the roller brush and the angled cut-in brush.
The extension pole and the angled cut-in brush are important to paint the wall along the ceiling edge. It is also vital that the brush has a threaded handle to connect to the extender pole effectively.
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
A primer is only necessary when you want to paint a damaged wall or a dark wall. There are various situations where you use a primer. Ask your local hardware store for advice on the same.
Attach the roller or paintbrush 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. However, there is some consolation that the imperfections will be too high to notice, but that is not a trump card not to be as careful as possible.
Alternatively, you can purchase Shur-Line 2006559 Edger for clean and straight lines.
Attach the edger to the extension pole and slide it along the edge of the wall. This way, you can be sure that the other side of the wall or ceiling will not get a drop of paint.
The same painting process also applies to the walls along the stairs where you cannot use a ladder. Just use the recommended awesome tools to pull it off effectively and safely.
Painting the Rest of the Wall
Attach the extender pole to the roller by using the screw threads on the pole. Gracefully roll the paint from the top to the bottom of the wall. As much as possible, blend the ceiling border and the hand-painted areas with those that you are now painting using the roller.
It would look quite unprofessional or quackery if the seams between the hand-painted areas and the roller painted areas were to show.
Top Ladders for Cleaning Gutter
Painting the Corner Areas of the Wall
For the high corner areas, attach the extender to the cut-in brush for a better reach. Use the cut in brush or the normal paintbrush for the low corners and other places that need the final touch. Don’t forget to paint along the baseboards.
Also, make sure that the color is uniform with the areas that you used a roller brush. Remove the blue tape immediately you are through with the painting to prevent the paint from adhering to the tape. There you have it!