How to Paint a Room with Vaulted Ceilings: Tips & Tricks

Painting vaulted ceilings or high walls is a challenge that can intimidate even the most experienced DIYers. From towering heights to awkward angles, these spaces require more planning, tools, and technique than standard rooms. But with the right approach, you can achieve a stunning, professional-looking finish—without hiring scaffolding or losing your balance.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about painting high walls or rooms with vaulted ceilings: tools, safety, preparation, and expert-level tricks that make the job easier and cleaner. But first, let’s start with the basic question, what are vaulted ceilings?

What Are Vaulted Ceilings?

Vaulted ceilings are ceilings that rise well above the standard 8-foot height and often follow the roofline. You’ll see them in attics converted into bedrooms, living rooms with exposed beams, open-plan modern builds, and even in older homes with pitched rooflines.

They add light, airiness, drama and look stunning—but painting them can be tricky.

Challenges of Painting Vaulted Ceilings

• Height: Standard step ladders often aren't tall enough.

• Angle: Sloped ceilings and joints require careful cutting-in.

• Fatigue: The extended reach can cause arm and neck strain.

• Paint coverage: High walls often mean more surface area than you realise.

  
  

Tools You’ll Need for Painting Vaulted Ceilings & High Walls

• Extension pole (adjustable, sturdy)

• Roller with screw-on extension compatibility

• Angled brush (for precise cutting-in)

• Ladder (telescoping or platform preferred)

• Paint tray with grid or roller bucket

• Drop cloths and painter’s tape

• Safety goggles and gloves

• Sturdy shoes and step stabilisers (if needed)

• Paint edger or corner pad (if required)

• Scaffolding (for large, tall rooms)

• Painter’s pole with brush adapter (for cutting-in high corners)

Step-by-Step: How to Paint a Room with Vaulted Ceilings

1. Prepare the Room

• Move furniture to the centre and cover with drop cloths.

• Remove light fixtures or fans if possible.

• Tape off skirting boards, windows, and any built-in features.

• Lay dust sheets to protect flooring.

  
  

2. Clean and Inspect Surfaces

• Dust the ceiling and walls using a broom or duster on a long handle.

• Spot clean any stains or mildew, especially on ceilings near vents or bathrooms.

• Fill in nail holes or cracks and lightly sand for a smooth surface.

  
  

3. Prime if Needed

• If your ceiling is stained, water-damaged, or has never been painted, apply primer first.

• Use a stain-blocking primer for discoloured areas.

• Apply primer using a roller on an extension pole.

• Cut in edges using an angled brush on a pole adapter.

  
  

4. Cut In the High Areas First

• Use an angled brush with an extension pole, or a painter’s corner pad to cut in along:

• Where the ceiling meets the wall

• Wall edges around windows and corners

• Base of any beams or angles

Pro Tip: If you're not confident doing this from the ground, use a ladder or platform carefully—but never overreach. Move the ladder often rather than leaning.

5. Use an Extension Pole to Roll Walls and Ceilings

• Attach your roller securely to the extension pole.

• Use a W-pattern to spread paint evenly.

• Always roll with light, consistent pressure to avoid drips.

• Paint the ceiling first, then the walls.

  
  

6. Work in Sections and Maintain a Wet Edge

• High walls dry faster at the top. To avoid visible lap marks:

• Work top to bottom, one section at a time.

• Keep a “wet edge” by overlapping slightly into the still-wet area next to it.

  
  

7. Second Coat & Touch-Ups

• Vaulted walls usually need two coats, especially if you’re changing colours or covering bare surfaces.

• Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second.

• Inspect the high areas in natural daylight to catch missed spots.

High Ceiling Paint Tips

• Buy quality tools. A good pole, roller, and brush will make a massive difference in speed and control.

• Use lighter colours. These make high ceilings feel open and inviting.

• Keep lighting consistent. High areas can look patchy if the room has mixed lighting while you’re painting.

• Choose the right finish. Matt or flat finish for ceilings; eggshell or satin for walls in high-traffic areas.

• Take breaks. Painting overhead or at full extension is tiring—step away every hour to rest your shoulders and neck.

  
  

Safety Tips for Painting High Areas

• Never overreach from a ladder.

• Use a platform or scaffold if you can’t reach safely from a step ladder.

• Wear protective eyewear—paint mist and splatters are a real hazard.

• Ensure your ladder is on a level surface and has stabilisers if needed.

  
  

Best Paints for Vaulted Ceilings and High Walls

For high and vaulted areas, you want paint that:

• Doesn’t drip easily

• Has good coverage

• Minimises lap marks

  
  

Our Top Picks:

• Dulux Vinyl Matt or Easycare (excellent for walls)

• Fleetwood Prestige Matt (high coverage, low splash)

• Johnstone’s Trade Covaplus (great for large areas)

• Crown Clean Extreme Matt (for washable tall walls)

  
  

Final Thought

Painting a room with vaulted ceilings isn’t just a tall order—it’s a test of planning and patience. But with the right tools and approach, it’s absolutely a DIY job you can master. Take your time, work safely, and let each coat dry fully before moving on. The end result? A bright, open space that feels clean, fresh, and completely transformed.

Not sure if you want to tackle it alone? At Painter Adam, we handle everything from high stairwell walls to vaulted ceilings with precision and care. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote today or get an estimate for your project with our instant calculator.