10' in the air

Everyone always says that a little paint can go a long way.  I am a firm believer.  When we first moved into our house the first thing I noticed was the flat white painted beams in living room.  They had so much potential to make the room shine, they just needed a little TLC.  There was no question they would be painted black within a few days.


This is where the great idea, turned into the biggest pain of a painting project.... EVER.


The first night up on a 10' ladder lasted about two minutes.  I didn't think that I was afraid of heights....that all changed quickly.  There were 3 1/2 beams on each side and one running down the middle.  I would say it took us about 4 hours to complete.  Of course there were breaks.  It took two coats of black high gloss paint.


Here are a few pictures from the fun project... 

This is how my father in-law and I spent an entire afternoon.  

Yes our necks hurt. 

I had to stop and caulk the nasty little settling cracks to make them all smooth and pretty again. 

This was almost the deal breaker - 

I had to put the ladder against the brick fireplace. 

For some reason this was the hardest for me since the ladder wasn't fully open. EEK. 

Today the beams look amazing.  I wouldn't change them for the world.... literally.... I'm never touching them again.  

My only battle is getting T on board with painting the brick fireplace.  The grout isn't it's natural color, the bricks look dirty and are stained especially around the opening.