How to Paint High Ceilings: 8 Tips to Try

Many homeowners have no problem rolling up their sleeves and rolling on the paint to transform a room’s walls, but stop short when it comes to high ceilings. While it may be intimidating to tackle this DIY, our eight ceiling painting tips for high ceilings will help make the job a lot easier than you first thought.

1. Use an Extension Pole

If you have a ceiling that’s higher than normal but not quite a two-story height, you may still be able to paint it from the ground using an extension pole. These poles can extend up to 12 feet or more, allowing you to attach your roller and reach the ceiling without having to climb a ladder. 

Keep in mind, though, that the longer the extension pole, the harder it is to precisely control it, so this may be a better option for smaller ceilings without a lot of fixtures or features to work around.

2. Use a Sturdy Ladder

Using a sturdy ladder will allow you to get closer to your high ceiling and paint with more control. Make sure to always practice ladder safety and ensure your ladder is set up properly and that you’re climbing it correctly. A paint bucket made specifically to attach to a ladder is a great way to keep your hands free while painting and minimize the risk of spilling or dropping paint while you’re on the ladder.

3. Rent Scaffolding or a Lift

For large or very high ceilings, rent scaffolding or an interior lift for a stable platform from which to paint. Scaffolding allows you to cover more area without having to constantly climb down and move a ladder around, while a smaller scissor lift offers excellent stability and extra reach. Use caution while painting from scaffolding or a lift, and always follow the instructions from the rental company to stay safe.

4. Clean and Prime the Ceiling

Once you’ve decided how to reach your ceiling, you’ll need to prep it so your paint job gets the best results. It’s better to spend the extra time to properly prep so you don’t need to repeat the whole painting process sooner than expected. 

First, patch the drywall if you have any damaged areas or spots that need attention. Then, dust and clean the ceiling—you can use an extension pole or ladder to clean a high ceiling. Next, tape off the walls where they meet the ceiling to prevent drips and tape around any fixtures in the ceiling. When it’s time to prime, use your extension pole, ladder, or scaffolding to apply the primer.

5. Apply Two Coats

It may be labor-intensive to apply two coats of paint to a high ceiling, but for the best coverage, it’s worth the time. If you’re painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, let each coat dry fully and determine after the second one if you’ll need any additional coats to match the wall. How long you should wait between coats of paint depends on the paint and the temperature and humidity in the room, so consult the instructions on the paint can to be sure you’re waiting long enough. 

6. Work in Sections

To ensure even coverage, paint in manageable sections. Working in sections will prevent you from having to keep moving your ladder too often and will help keep you from missing any spots. Take care when moving from section to section not to overlap the paint too much, which will create visible paint “seams.” 

7. Take Breaks

Painting a high ceiling is a big job, and climbing up and down a ladder or reaching over your head with a roller can quickly fatigue you. Take regular breaks to prevent injury, soreness, or an inconsistent paint job applied with aching arms. Wrap your roller in plastic wrap during breaks so it doesn’t dry out.

8. Hire a Pro

If this all sounds like too big a project to tackle, hire a painter to save yourself the time, energy, and trips up and down the ladder. A local interior painter will have the equipment and expertise to give you picture-perfect results on your high ceiling. The cost to paint a ceiling averages between $1 and $5 per square foot, but expect to pay a premium for a high ceiling since it takes extra time, effort, and equipment.