Safety First: Painting at Heights with Benjamin Moore Paint & Southwestern Paint

High ceilings, tall walls, and extended exterior facades—painting at such altitudes can be daunting. But before you embark on giving your walls a new shade with that beautiful Benjamin Moore paint, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Painting at heights poses unique risks. The experts at Southwestern Paint, with 13 locations around Houston, Texas, are here to provide guidelines to ensure your painting project is both flawless and safe.

1. Choose the Right Ladder or Scaffold

• Ladder: Ensure you select a ladder suitable for the task. It should extend at least 3 feet above the working platform. Always check its weight capacity to ensure it can hold you, plus your tools and Benjamin Moore paint.
• Scaffold: For broader areas or longer work durations at height, consider renting a scaffold. It offers a more stable platform than a ladder, especially for extended painting sessions.

2. Secure Your Base

Whether using a ladder or scaffold, always ensure the base is on solid, even ground. For uneven surfaces like grass or gravel—common around Houston’s varied terrains—using ladder stabilizers or levelers is essential.

3. Maintain a 3-Point Contact

While on a ladder, always maintain three points of contact—either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. This method helps ensure better stability, especially when handling Benjamin Moore paint at height.

4. Don’t Overreach

It’s tempting to stretch just a bit further to apply that last stroke of Benjamin Moore paint, but overreaching can lead to accidents. Move your ladder instead. It’s worth the extra steps to maintain your safety!

5. Use the Right Tools

Equip yourself with tools designed for painting at height. Rollers with extension poles can help you reach high places without constantly moving up and down the ladder. This will save you time and keep you safer while applying Benjamin Moore paint.

6. Mind Your Surroundings

When working outdoors, be especially cautious of overhead power lines. Houston’s neighborhoods and rural areas can have these hazards, so always maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet to avoid any dangerous mishaps.

7. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated

Working at heights, especially under Houston’s intense sun with a can of Benjamin Moore paint, can be exhausting. Be sure to descend for regular breaks and stay hydrated. Fatigue can easily compromise your balance and focus, putting you at risk.

8. Clear the Ground Area

Before starting, ensure the ground around your ladder or scaffold is free of tools, toys, or any other obstacles. This helps minimize injury risks if something falls from above while you’re working.

9. Consider a Safety Harness

For particularly tall projects—like multi-story exteriors—consider using a safety harness. It’s an additional safety measure that can prevent falls and serious injuries, especially when working with large quantities of Benjamin Moore paint.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels unsafe or you’re unsure about the setup, stop. No painting project is more important than your well-being. Trust your gut and prioritize safety every time.

If painting at heights feels too complicated or risky, it might be time to consider another option: hire a professional painting contractor. These experts not only bring their experience to the table but also have the necessary safety equipment to ensure a flawless finish with Benjamin Moore paint—all while you stay safely on the ground.

Safety should always come first. And remember, if you’re in doubt, the experts at Southwestern Paint, serving Houston and the surrounding areas, are here to provide the best in painting solutions and safety advice.