Use caution and the correct tools to paint the upper wall in a stairwell
High stairwells can look scary and complicated to paint and you might think you need a professional with scaffolding. With a ladder, the right strategy, and some clever tools, a DIY painter who works carefully can get to those high parts over the stairs quite easily.
Instructions
1. Lean an extension ladder on the at the top of stairs to reach most of the cut in at the top. Sometimes the highest wall will be above the steps in such a way that you can set an extension ladder flat on the steps. When using a ladder like this you need to complete all the high cut in before rolling the walls so you don't mar them by putting the ladder back up.
2. Attach a hook to the side of the ladder to hang your paint can.
3. Reach all the remaining brushwork along the ceiling from a ladder placed securely on a landing.
4. Attach a brush extender, also called a "broken arm," to your brush to reach overhangs you can't get to even on the ladder. A brush extender is a clip that holds the brush securely and screws onto the end of an extension pole. The angle can be adjusted for the best control. It can be a bit tricky if you are painting the walls a different color than the ceiling and need a straight line, since you can't get up there to tape, so practice first on an area you can easily paint over.
5. Fit a ladder leveler to the bottom of your extension ladder. This is a non-skid, angled platform that grips securely to stairs, roofs or other uneven surfaces. The ladder can be safely set with one leg on one step and one on the other, against the stairwell wall, so you can climb right up to that tricky area to tape and paint it. It's especially useful if there is a long span of wall to paint above stairs.
6. Roll on remaining paint, after cutting in is complete, with a roller, using an extension pole as necessary.
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