The Wrong Paint

• Ordinary eggshell, satin and semi-gloss wall paint is not appropriate for vaulted ceilings, because it contains chemicals that provide sheen. Not only will this sheen reflect light in an unpleasant way, it will hide potential water stains. This may sound appealing to inexperienced do-it-yourselfers; however, it can actually have expensive consequences. If your roof is leaking, you need to know about it before extensive damage is able to occur. Ordinary wall paint may disguise the stain and allow significant damage to occur before you notice a problem.
  
  

The Right Paint

• Flat latex paint is not appropriate for walls, because it is difficult to clean and easily stained. it is appropriate for vaulted ceilings, which are generally safe from physical contact. Because it lacks a sheen, flat paint will not reflect a lot of light. It also allows water stains to bleed through, so you can address potential leaks before they become a problem.
  
  

Colors

• Although you can paint your vaulted ceiling with a dark color of paint, it will cause the ceiling to appear low and cause the room to feel less open. For best results, paint your vaulted ceiling a lighter color than the walls.
  
  

Application

• Amateurs often have trouble applying paint to vaulted ceilings, because they use the wrong tools. Ease the application process by attaching a telescoping roller extension pole to your roller frame. Shorten and lengthen the pole as necessary, so you can apply the paint while standing on the ground.
  
  

Tools

• Although a telescoping extension pole will allow you to paint your vaulted ceilings from the ground, you'll still need to access the ceiling to touch-up skipped areas, using a paintbrush. Use a step ladder to access lower portions of the vaulted ceiling. Prop an extension ladder against the wall to access the highest point of the ceiling. Be sure to tie clean rags around the top of the ladder to prevent the metal from scarring the wall.