Asked on May 03, 2013

how to paint staircase wall without a scaffold

Beverly
by Beverly
I can't afford to hire a professional and I'm afraid to rig up a scaffold...is there any way to cut-in the top of a staircase wall? I thought of duck-taping a stiff brush to a pole, but not sure if it would work. Guess I could paint the ceiling the same color if I have to, but prefer not. Any suggestions?
  8 answers
  • Kimberly Barney Kimberly Barney on May 03, 2013
    There are extension poles that you can screw onto the trim tool. It is still going to be extremely difficult without a scaffold, though.
  • Beverly Beverly on May 03, 2013
    Thanks, I thought of that. Maybe if I don't overload the trim tool. It's not really high and not that much wall is out of reach. I'm just afraid of starting and not being able to finish!
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on May 03, 2013
    do you or one of your neighbors have an articulating ladder? or adjustible height version? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-13-ft-Aluminum-Telescoping-Multi-Ladder-with-300-lb-Load-Capacity-Type-IA-Duty-Rating-MT-13/100658842#.UYPxqaLP3VE you can position this type of ladder into a "L" shape and then put a plank on it. Or set it up as a step ladder with a long run on one side. adjustable height ladders can also be used when placed perpendicular to the steps and leaned against the back wall.
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  • Beverly Beverly on May 03, 2013
    I have a Little Giant and tried it out today, it's good, but I couldn't get it to work the way I need it to. I will head to Home Depot or Lowes tomorrow and check out the kind you recommended. Thank you.
  • Trim pads can be used for doing the walls up high. The trick is to use a good quality pole. Low cost ones bow and make it harder to control the pad. The better quality ones have a roller system with stops to prevent the pad from touching the ceiling. Just be sure that you do not dip the pad to deep into the paint and if the rollers get paint on them that you wipe it off with a rag before you touch the pad to the ceiling. It is tricky at first, but practice on the corners until you get it down. Works like a charm. You will need the pad that has the pole attachment thread built into the handle.
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  • Beverly Beverly on May 04, 2013
    I bought this yesterday. I haven't tried it yet, but it is cheaper than a new ladder! i'll start with this and see how I do. Thanks.
  • Beverly, just remember to carefully dip the pad in the paint. The first few dippings will not render to much paint on the pad, but as it becomes saturated with the paint you will find it works pretty well. Be sure not to get any paint on the rollers. The higher end pad has a retractable roller or rub edge that prevents it from getting paint on it when you dip it into the paint. Use a roller pan and a brush to pull the paint up onto the flat spot of the pan. That is where you would place the pad into the paint. Do not try to put pad directly into the paint itself or you will surly dip it in to far.
  • Beverly Beverly on May 08, 2013
    the edger worked great. Then I used a small paint brush duck taped to a pole to touch up any mishaps. It came out fine. Thanks for the advice.