How to Paint Safely Using a Ladder 

Have you ever seen a compound fracture? I have – twice – both resulting from falls from ladders, and I can tell you it’s one of the most gruesome injuries you can imagine.

That fact is, few home improvement projects are more dangerous than painting on a ladder. Each year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms with serious injuries from ladder mishaps that could have been avoided with proper care and attention to safety.

So, when using a ladder to paint, start by choosing the right type, position it at the correct angle and on a level surface, secure it at the top and bottom, and be sure not to overreach while painting.

There’s more, and we’re going to get into it here, including two cautionary tales that may give you a new appreciation for ladder safety. 

1. Choose the Right Ladder

Ladders come in different sizes, shapes, and configurations, each designed for a specific purpose. 

Material

Ladders are made of aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. 

• Aluminum ladders are the most common because they are durable and lightweight. However, they conduct electricity, so choose wood or fiberglass ladders to paint near electrical wires. 
• Wood ladders are sturdy and don’t conduct electricity, but they are heavy and difficult to move around. 
• Fiberglass ladders are durable, lightweight, and non-conductive. But they are more expensive than aluminum and wood. 

Grade

Ladders are categorized as grade 3, 2, 1, and 1A, with 1A being the most durable and 3 being the least. Here’s the weight limit of each ladder grade. 

• Grade 3 ladders: 200 pounds
• Grade 2 ladders: 225 pounds
• Grade 1 ladders: 250 pounds
• Grade 1A ladders: 300 pounds

Grade 2 ladders are the best choice for residential painting projects because they are rigid while being easy to move around. They can hold up to 225 pounds, so even if you carry a lot of tools and a gallon of paint, you’ll be well within the limit.  

Grade 3 ladders are suitable for painting surfaces up to 20 feet tall, but they have a low weight limit. Grade 1 and 1A ladders are heavy and designed for commercial use. 

Type 

The different types of ladders include:

• Step ladders (or A-frame ladders) are self-supporting and consist of two ladders joined together with a hinge at the top. They are non-adjustable and have a spreader bar that locks them in place when opened. Step ladders are suitable for interior painting and range from four to 20 feet in length. 
• Platform ladders are similar to step ladders except that they have a platform to stand at the top. They are suitable for interior painting and range from two to 18 feet in length. 
• Straight ladders are the conventional form of ladders. They are non-adjustable and usually used for exterior painting. Straight ladders range in size from 10 to 40 feet.
• Telescoping ladders are the easiest to store, adjustable, and portable. They are suitable for both interior and exterior painting. Telescoping ladders range from eight to 16 feet in length. 
• Extension ladders are adjustable in length and consist of two or more sections that slide into one another. They are portable and suitable for both interior and exterior painting. Extension ladders come in many sizes, ranging from 16 to 40 feet in length. 

2. Inspect the Ladder

Assume you’re standing on a ladder with a broken rung. Well, you get the picture. To prevent such mishaps, inspect the ladder thoroughly before use. Here’s all you need to check your ladder for:

• Rung and side rail damage
• Ladder stability 
• Slippery materials on the rungs
• Loose bolts
• Rubber feet wear

If you spot any of these issues, hold off on the project till you fix them or replace your ladder. 

When painting outdoors, make sure to check for overhead obstructions like power lines. 

3. Place the Ladder on a Stable Surface 

Indoors or outdoors, the ladder should be on a stable level surface so it doesn’t wobble. 

Use a ladder leveler if the ground is uneven. If you’re working in wet soil or grass, dig a hole to secure the ladder’s feet and prevent slipping. And if you’re working on slick surfaces indoors, be sure the feet of the ladder have non-slip, rubber or plastic coverings.

My friend, Kala, was taking down Christmas decorations a couple of years ago and was coming down the ladder when it began to shift on the slick tile floor. She toppled to the floor, her full weight came down on one leg, bending it awkwardly and snapping her tibia in two.

“It popped like a gunshot,” she said, “and I just remember feeling the most agonizing pain and seeing a bone sticking out of my leg.”

4. Position the Ladder Correctly

Position the ladder at a 75-degree angle from the ground for optimum stability. Measuring the angle of the ladder can be difficult, so I would recommend using the 4:1 rule. For every four feet of ladder height, move the base one foot away from the wall. 

Stand on the bottom rung and gently shake the ladder to check its stability. If it doesn’t feel sturdy, readjust the positioning.

5. Lock Folding Ladders in Place

Step and platform ladders fold closed but have spreader bars to lock the two sides in place when opened, which prevents the ladder from closing accidentally. 

Be sure all four legs of the ladder are on solid, even ground and that the spreader bars are locked horizontally before ascending the ladder.

6. Secure the Ladder’s Top 

Many accidents happen because of not securing the ladder’s top. When the top is secure, the ladder doesn’t wobble, and you won’t fall. Here are some tips to secure the top: 

• Never rest the ladder against doors, windows, gutters, or anything that can move or break. 
• Attach a ladder stabilizer to the top rung to increase stability. It also increases the gap between you and the wall, making it easier to paint. 
• Attach a ladder lock to the ladder and clip it to any base, such as gutters. You won’t need this if you use a ladder stabilizer. 

7. Maintain Three Points of Contact

This is where a bunch of injuries occur – ascending and descending the ladder carelessly and not maintaining a steady base while working.

A good rule of thumb is to keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times, which means having both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand on the ladder. Ascend and descend the ladder slowly. 

NEVER stand on the top two rungs of a ladder. You won’t have anything to hold onto, and the ladder will be so top-heavy that it significantly increases the chances of tipping.

A few years back, my friend Bill was working six feet up an eight-foot step ladder – in other words, too high. He was cleaning a skylight in a vaulted ceiling and reaching toward the peak when he lost his balance and Humpty Dumptied to the tile floor below, splintering his shin bone

I wasn’t there when it happened, but I saw the ugly aftermath of that injury, and it made me wince hard.

Don’t be Bill.

8. Secure the Paint Can and Tools 

Climbing the ladder while carrying a paint can is risky. You won’t be able to maintain three points of contact with the ladder and may lose balance or drop the paint bucket. 

Attach a swivel hook to the side of your ladder to hang the paint bucket. Use a tool belt to carry paint brushes and other tools. 

Dipping the paint roller or brush directly into the paint bucket can overload it and cause drips. To prevent this, attach a paint tray holder to your ladder. 

9. Use an Extension Pole

Using an extension pole is safer and makes painting easier. Without it, you’ll have to stretch to reach areas like the top corners, which can lead to accidents. 

Remember that getting down and moving your ladder for better reach is better than losing balance by overreaching and falling. 

10. Take Breaks

Painting from a ladder is a bit physically demanding. Take regular breaks to rest and stretch to prevent fatigue. Overexertion can lead to accidents, so give your body the rest it needs. 

11. Choose the Right Day for Painting Outside

Painting outside on a windy or rainy day can lead to mishaps and spoil your paint job. Check the weather forecast and postpone the project if conditions are unfavorable.

12. Wear Safety Gear

Safety should always come first. Here’s all the gear you need to paint from a ladder:

• Non-slip shoes. This is perhaps the most important because a single slip on ladder can be catastrophic
• Safety glasses 
• Gloves
• Dust mask or respirator

FAQs

Consider Hiring a Professional

Painting from a ladder is a risky and time-consuming job. If you don’t have experience working on a ladder, avoid risking yourself and hire a professional painter. Home Gnome connects you with the best painting pros in your area who can assist you with everything related to painting.

Main Photo Credit: Freepik