How to Paint Walls With a Tall Height

Painting a Wall

Two-story walls are not uncommon in homes now. Unfortunately, these tall walls present challenges when it is time to paint. If you are up to the challenge, it is possible to paint your tall walls yourself once you know the techniques and methods involved.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paint
• Drop cloths
• Paint tray
• Paint rollers
• Sash paint brush (see Resources section below)
• Extension pole (see Resources)
• Step ladder
• Scaffolding (optional)
• Masking tape
• Clean rags
• Dish washing soap
• Water

Instructions

1. Apply the masking tape to protect any wood trim along the bottom of the wall. Apply the masking tape along the sides of the adjoining walls as far up as you can reach if you will not be painting the adjoining walls.

2. Place the drop cloths on the floor to cover the entire area.

3. Pour the paint into the paint tray to cover the bottom half of the paint tray.

4. Attach the sash brush to the extension pole so that the brush is securely fitted into the pole and you can use the pole to reach the sash brush up to the top of the wall. Extend the extension pole enough so that you can reach the point where the ceiling and wall meet.

5. Dip the sash brush into the paint so that half an inch of the bristles are loaded with paint. Use the sash brush to paint the top edge of the wall where the ceiling and wall meet. Guide the sash brush along the edge of the wall right up to the ceiling with steady pressure. Work carefully along the entire length of the top of the wall.

6. Angle the sash brush and paint the side perimeters of the wall, beginning at the top and working your way down. Paint with the same technique as in Step 5 to carefully paint both edges.

7. Use the sash brush to paint the bottom perimeter edge of the wall along the baseboard near the floor. Paint with the same technique as in Steps 5 and 6 to carefully paint the bottom edge.

8. Use a roller to apply paint to the center area of the wall. Place the extension pole on the end of the roller and begin painting at the top of the wall. Paint across the entire top and work your way down and across the wall until the entire wall has been painted.

9. Allow the paint to dry for several hours and apply a second coat in the same fashion, if desired.

10. Clean all of your equipment with dish washing soap and water and remove the drop cloths from the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• If your wall is so tall that you cannot reach the point where the ceiling and the wall meet even with the extension pole, you may have to step onto a step ladder or consider renting scaffolding from a local home center to accomplish your project.

• Be very careful when painting from a ladder or scaffolding so that injuries and accidents do not occur.

Resources

• Extension Pole
• Sash Brush