Tips on Painting a Stairwell

Tools of the Trade

• First, set up a drop cloth to protect the surface of the stairs. Take the time to tape it down at each step to prevent slipping.
  
  You will definitely need an extension ladder to reach the highest walls in your stairwell. Make sure the base of the ladder is situated evenly on a stair. Use a ladder leveler if the step's surface is uneven. Cover the tops of the ladder with protective foam so they won't damage the wall. If you are unable to reach a part of the wall and need to use scaffolding, suspend a couple of 2-by-6 boards between the ladder and a step.
  
  Besides a ladder, you will need a roller and brush extender. This extension pole allows you to reach up to 12 feet. Combined with the extension ladder, you may not even need scaffolding with this approach. Be sure to use a brush with angled bristles so you can paint closely to the corner of the wall and ceiling without having to use painter's tape.
  
  

Painting Strategies

• Painting a stairwell is similar to painting most other walls. Choose a paint that can easily be cleaned such as an eggshell finish since stairwells are prone to scuffing. Cut in with the brush first and then use the roller to fill in the surface of the wall. Work from top to bottom to avoid leaning a ladder on the freshly painted surface. Use a box fan to speed up drying time between coats since stairwells typically don't have good air circulation.
  
  

Stairwell Color Ideas

• Stairwells are often linked to other spaces such as foyers or hallways, so it might make sense to use the same continuous color. If your stairwell lacks a window or skylight, choose a lighter color to prevent it from feeling cavernous. Since it is difficult to get to the corners, you might consider keeping the ceiling the same color as the walls, simplifying your painting job,