High ceilings can be difficult to paint for the Diy’er or even for a professional. My definition of a high ceiling is one that is higher than the single story range of 8’ to 12’ (the latter would be the high end of a cathedral ceiling). Often these "high ceilings" are in the 16' - 20' range in height.
Scaffold or no scaffold?
Do you need to set up a scaffold in order to paint a high ceiling? I have never used a scaffold to paint an interior ceiling in a residential home repaint situation. Scaffolds take a lot of time to set up. Scaffolds can easily damage a wood floor. Scaffolds are expensive to rent. Scaffolds are s-l-o-w to work with.
Using an extension ladder
If the ceiling is going to be painted a different color/sheen than the walls, you will need to “cut in” the ceiling. High ceilings (two story 18’+ height) will require cutting in with an extension ladder. Extension ladders are usually used outside, but in the case of a tall ceiling you will need to bring the ladder inside.
Getting the ladder into the house
The biggest concern I have when using an extension ladder inside is getting the ladder in and out without breaking something. The best way to carry the ladder in (and out) is with the help of another person to carry one end of the ladder, while you carry the other. Before bringing the ladder in, determine the route that you will take to get the ladder into the room. Get someone on the door, to hold it open as you and your helper bring the ladder through it and down your chosen route to the room to be painted. Once in the room, get the ladder upright and against a wall ( use ladder mitts on the ends of the ladder to prevent damage to the walls), and out of the way. See Extension Ladder Tips.
Cutting in off of an extension ladder takes a bit of time, you won’t be able to keep a “wet edge”, so you must use a dead flat paint to camouflage any lapping and framing around the ceiling perimeter.
Extension poles
You must use an extension pole for painting high ceilings. See Paint Extension Poles. I never have to use anything longer than a 8’ - 16’ telescoping pole for any interior painting. Admittedly, it takes some practice to get used to using a pole of that length. Work slowly (a dead flat will allow you to do this without too many concerns with lap marks) and roll the paint out smoothly . Watch that you don’t swing the pole into something bringing it to the ceiling. Clear the area of all obstacles and furniture to make painting easier.
If you have any repairs
Nail pops and ceiling stress cracks are tough to do on a two story ceiling. You cannot use an extension ladder for these if they are in the middle of the ceiling. Extension ladders must rest against the wall and are good for cutting in at the ceiling / wall joint only.
You must rent (or buy) a tall step ladder for repairs in the middle of the ceiling. You will need a sixteen foot step ladder (or thereabouts) to repair nail pops etc.. on a high ceiling. The leg span on these ladders are very wide, and they are difficult to move around the room, but “you got to do what you got to do”. I rent the ladder for a day for this kind of use. I do not need the exceptionally tall step ladder for most jobs, so renting for the occasional high ceiling job is preferred.
Cut in the entire ceiling first
When painting a ceiling, especially a high ceiling, you will cut in the perimeter first before you roll out the ceiling. This will require setting up the ladder and moving it around the room as you go. Move the ladder carefully and watch out for any light fixtures or chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling, if you bang one of these with your ladder - you will break it. Move the ladder slowly and carefully.
Use flat paint
Flat paint will allow you to cut in the ceiling and later roll it out without showing lap marks.
Painting High Ceilings
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