What Are The Best Ladders For Painting? 

When it comes to finding a ladder for a specific job there are many different considerations to think about. When selecting a ladder for painting you may find that different elements of painting such as cutting in, painting large areas at a time, and painting in hard-to-reach spots, like above a stairwell may require different equipment. In this article we will go through different ladders for each of these tasks, so that you can be prepared for your next painting and decorating project. 

Platform Ladders:

The first and most popular type of ladder that is used for painting are Platform Step Ladders, which offer a large platform to stand on. The platform makes it ideal for longer duration tasks and gives a comfortable standing area when painting or decorating. Despite the platform adding extra safety for these tasks, you still shouldn’t spend more than 30 minutes working on a ladder before taking a break to avoid fatigue which will increase risks of accident. 

There are many great options when it comes to platform step ladders. This blog article will highlight a few of our recommended options for step ladders that would be ideal for painting and decorating.  

Firstly, the Lyte ESP Heavy Duty Platform Stepladder is manufactured in the United Kingdom and comes in a large variety of sizes. In terms of safety features, the Lyte ESP is certified to EN131 Professional and therefore suitable for professional and DIY decorating. This platform step ladder also offers strengthened treads, incorporated strengthening beams and a rigid box section on the back legs with reinforced platform. The strength and comfort this platform step ladder offers gives confidence and the height required for most painting tasks.  

Another good recommendation for platform step ladders is the Premier XL Platform Step Ladder. It comes in six different sizes for your specific needs, as well as offering several safety features, such as the double handrails, these can be used or removed based on user preference. The main reason we recommend this platform step ladder for painting and DIY tasks is the tool tray that is integrated into the top of the ladder, this gives you a space to hold tools such as brushes or tape. 

Swingback Step Ladders:

There is one swingback step ladder that is specifically designed for painting and decorating. This Werner Fibreglass Swingback Stepladder, is perfect for working around electrical components, thanks to its fibreglass material. It’s rigid fixings, slip resistant steps, and H spreaders (locking the ladder into place) add extra strength and stability to make your experience safer while working at height.  

This style of ladder is also compatible with Werner’s unique Lock-In System which offers accessories to your ladder such as paint buckets and tool trays which are perfect while painting and redecorating. Having somewhere at the top of the ladder to be able to hold your paint isn’t only convenient but can also be deemed safer to prevent ascending and descending the ladder frequently or reaching down to pick things up.  

Low Level Work Platforms:

Next, is an option for a low level work platform, the Werner Adjustable Pro Work Platform which is an aluminum hop up platform that can be used at heights of 0.5m or 0.76m thanks to its adjustable, self-locking legs.  

The low-level work platforms are only ideal for painting if you are completing smaller jobs at a lower level, for example if you need to cut at a low level and are using a roller for the remaining walls this may be a suitable solution. The Werner adjustable platform has self-locking legs and can also be used on stairs to get access to areas just above stairwells.  

Stair Ladders: 

We have looked at platforms that help you reach higher areas on stairs, but they can only reach so high. When it comes to ladders for painting on stairs, there are specific types of combination ladders that will work best. For advice on how to use combination ladders on stairs you can check out our article “Combination Ladders Provide The Perfect Solution For Use On Stairs”, but of course you should always use your ladder according to the manufacturer's instructions.  

Our first recommendation for combination ladders is the Zarges Skymaster Combination Ladder, which can be used in up to 6 different ways as specified on the product page. One of the variations of this ladder is the simple A-frame that can be used to create a safe platform to paint above your stairwell. The top ladder can also be taken off and used separately like a single ladder which makes it ideal for painting the exterior of your house thanks to its height (dependent on how many rungs you choose).  If somehow a piece of this product goes missing or gets damaged while you are using it, we have a wide range of spare parts for this product, meaning you will be able to repair it with ease rather than having to buy a new ladder. 

The next recommendation is the Werner Telescopic Multi-Purpose Combination Ladder, which not only comes in multiple sizes, but it also gives the user 4 ladder options thanks to it’s simple click-lock hinge system which can be engaged or disengaged to change the ladder type. It comes with slip resistant feet as well as a splayed base which both offer extra stability. This ladder’s telescopic properties also make it simple to extend and allows it to compact down, making it ideal for storage and transportation for painters and decorators in smaller vans or estate cars. 

Safety Tips For Painting When Using Ladders: 

Outside of the specific types of ladders to use for a task, it is also incredibly important to know how to stay safe while using the ladders. We will list a few safety tips here but remember to always use general ladder safety regardless of the task. You can find such tips on the “HSE & Safety” section of our blog.  

• Always inspect your ladder before use: Some of the things you should be looking for are damaged or worn ladder feet, twisted/bent/dented stiles, cracked/worn/bent/loose rungs, missing or damaged tie rods, cracked or damaged welded joints and loose rivets or damaged stays. If you notice anything unusual or out of place, avoid using the ladder and get a professional to look at it.  

 

• Ensure the ladder is clean: This tip is especially important when painting, as dried paint from previous work can very easily cover up any of the damage mentioned in the previous tip. How to clean your ladders can vary depending on the type and material so we recommend cleaning them in alignment with the safety and maintenance guide from the manufacturer of the product. 

 

• If your ladder has been cleaned, ensure it has properly dried: After cleaning your ladder, there may be residue from your cleaning products left behind. If this is the case, the ladder could become slippery and increase the risk of you falling, so drying off your ladder after cleaning is very important. 

 

• Move your ladder if you are struggling to reach an area while painting: Overreaching while at the top of a ladder increases the risk of falling greatly and is never safe. To avoid overreaching when painting, if you’re struggling to reach an area with the brush, climb down and readjust the steps. 

Summary: 

We have showcased several great ladders in this article but there are plenty more for you to look at and choose from on our site. If you need any help or have any questions about anything you’ve seen in this article, then feel free to contact our great team at on 01204 590 232 or get in touch using our contact form.