Color Swatch LabGear · CSL–G12
Tools for painting ceilings and high walls
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Painting overhead is tiring and drips are inevitable, so the right tools matter more than for walls. Rolling with a pole keeps your arms down and gives more even pressure than reaching on a ladder. You will still need a ladder for cutting in where wall meets ceiling.
Ladder safety comes first: use one rated for your weight and the job, set it on level ground and do not overreach. Our ceiling color guide covers choosing the color; this page covers the tools.
Extension poles
Who it is for: anyone rolling ceilings or the upper parts of walls.
Pick a length that lets you roll with your elbows below your shoulders.
- Extension pole, 2 to 4 ftreach upper walls without a ladder. (Search on Amazon)
- Convertible extension pole, 2 to 4 ft, with quick-change tipa pole with a quick-change tip. (Search on Amazon)
- Extension pole, 4 to 8 ftreaches ceilings in rooms with standard ceiling heights. (Search on Amazon)
- Extension pole, 8 to 16 ftlonger reach for tall ceilings or stairwells. (Search on Amazon)
Ladders and access
Who it is for: cutting in along the ceiling line and reaching stair walls.
A stable fiberglass step ladder and a paint hook keep both hands free.
- 6 ft fiberglass step laddera stable step ladder for walls and ceilings. (Search on Amazon)
- 6 ft fiberglass step ladder (second option)another step ladder choice for painting jobs. (Search on Amazon)
- Ladder paint can hookhangs a paint can safely on a ladder. (Search on Amazon)
- Handy Paint Pail kit with disposable liners and brusha handheld cup for cutting in without a heavy can. (View on Amazon)
Lighting
Who it is for: anyone painting ceilings, especially in rooms with little natural light.
Raking light from the side shows missed spots and roller marks.
- LED work lights with tripod stand, 21000 lumen, 3 headsshows missed spots and roller marks on walls and ceilings. (View on Amazon)
- Rechargeable LED headlamp with motion sensorlights up corners and ceiling edges while you work. (View on Amazon)
- Energetic A19 LED bulbs, 5000K daylight (24-pack)test a color under cool, daylight-style light. (View on Amazon)
Rollers and brushes for ceilings
Who it is for: flat ceilings and edges.
Use a cover suited to ceiling paint and an angled brush for edges.
- Woven roller cover, 9 in., 3/8 in. nap (second option)a woven roller cover for smooth to lightly textured walls. (Search on Amazon)
- Amazon Basics microfiber roller covers, 9 in. x 3/8 in. (6-pack)a low-lint cover for a smooth finish. (View on Amazon)
- Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-inchfor cutting in along trim, corners and ceiling lines. (View on Amazon)
- Purdy XL Dale angled sash brush, 1 in. (144080310)a narrow angled brush for tight trim and small sample boards. (View on Amazon)
Protection overhead
Who it is for: everyone, because paint drips fall on you.
Eye protection, a cap and covers for floors and furniture help.
- Clear safety glasseseye protection when scraping, sanding or spraying. (Search on Amazon)
- Cotton twill painter's cap, adjustablekeeps paint out of hair. (View on Amazon)
- Disposable paint suit coverallkeeps paint and dust off clothes. (View on Amazon)
- Trimaco 51121 SuperTuff canvas drop cloth, 9 ft x 12 ftprotects floors from drips and is reusable. (View on Amazon)
- Trimaco Easy Mask Cling Cover plastic sheeting, 9 ft x 400 ftcovers furniture and keeps splatter off pieces you cannot move. (View on Amazon)
FAQ
- How long a pole do I need for an 8-foot ceiling?
- A pole that extends to about 4 to 8 feet is commonly used, because you can roll while standing on the floor with the roller at ceiling height.
- Can I paint a ceiling without a ladder?
- For rolling the field, yes with a pole. You usually need a ladder to cut in neatly along the edges.
- How do I avoid roller spatter?
- Load the roller evenly, do not overload it and use a smooth, steady stroke rather than quick back-and-forth rolling.
- What sheen should a ceiling be?
- Flat is the most common recommendation because it hides imperfections. See our ceiling guide for details.
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