Five Common Challenges When Painting Stairwells
Painting a stairwell can be challenging because of its height, unique shape, and safety concerns. Learning about the difficulties of this process will help you prepare should you decide to apply a fresh coat of paint to this space in your home. Here are five of the main hiccups your project might face.
Five Challenges When Painting Stairwells
1. Height
Working up high is one of the most obvious challenges when painting stairwells. Many stairwells have high ceilings, which most ladders cannot reach. You cannot leave the high areas bare, so you have to find alternatives.
One option for how to paint high-ceiling stairwells is scaffolding, but setting it up involves a lot of work. Fortunately, special equipment designed to help you reach the highest points of a stairwell is available if you know where to look. One such piece of equipment is an adjustable base that sits securely on the stairs, providing your ladder with a level surface that can help you reach previously inaccessible places. These pieces of equipment are sturdy, but it is still best to have someone spotting you on the ladder to ensure safety. Extension poles can also help if your paint roller is too short.
2. Poor Lighting
Many stairwells lack sufficient lighting, making it hard to see where you have been with your paint. You might leave unpainted spots or apply too much paint to certain areas. So, before you paint a stairwell, assess the lighting in the area. If the lighting is poor even during the daytime, set up work lights before you start. A portable work light with an adjustable beam can be a great option.
3. Limited Space and Mobility
A lot of stairwells are narrow and confined, making it hard to maneuver typical ladders and other equipment. Instead of a normal ladder, use a telescopic one. Telescopic ladders can be collapsed into a compact size for easy mobility and storage.
However, be careful when buying telescopic ladders. Check the maximum height and weight capacity of the product. Ensure the product can accommodate your needs, and be careful when settling for the cheapest option. A lower price tag may sound like a bargain but usually indicates worse quality.
4. Painting Textured Surfaces
With their grooves and crevices, textured surfaces can be tricky to paint, but the key is proper preparation. Before you paint a stairwell with a textured surface, clean it thoroughly to promote paint adhesion. You must also use the right painting tools: thick nap rollers for heavy textures and thin nap for lighter ones.
5. Safety Concerns
Painting a stairwell comes with safety risks. You may fall when navigating steep steps or using ladders or scaffolds. Equip yourself with safety gear, including non-slip shoes, a safety harness, and a painter’s tool belt.
However, accidents can still happen. The best way to stay safe when transforming your stairwell is to leave the task to professional painters. These painters are well-trained, skilled, and experienced. They know what to do to paint stairwells safely.
Get Professional Help
DIY projects can be gratifying and cost-effective. But painting a stairwell properly requires a steady hand, significant time, and a fair bit of research. Consider hiring experts if you aren’t confident you have what it takes to execute the project safely and effectively. Professionals like those at Anderson Painting offer expertise, efficiency, and convenience to homeowners and business owners in Wilmington, NC and the Greater Triangle Area. Reach out to us today!
Let the pros handle the job. Request a free estimate or call us for more info.
Stairwell Painting FAQs
Can I Learn How to Paint a Stairwell on My Own?
Painting a stairwell involves choosing the right colors and ensuring thorough surface preparation, including cleaning, priming, etc. You’ll also need special tools like a scaffold and/or extendable pole to paint hard-to-reach areas. If this sounds manageable to you, you can certainly learn.
What Is the Best Way to Paint a Stairwell?
Painting stairwells can be tricky and dangerous, so it’s best to leave this project to professional painters. Professionals have specialized tools and knowledge to paint stairwells and create stunning, lasting finishes safely.
Where Do You Find Paint Ideas for Stairwells?
Online articles and other resources, such as showcase magazines in hardware stores, incorporate images that can show potential paint colors on stairwells. You can find inspiration from them or use social media platforms like TikTok to get ideas appropriate for your space.
