[header] How to paint a high ceiling over stairs [title] Cover the stairs and railing with drop cloths. [step] No matter how careful you are, there's a good chance a few drips will fall on the stairs when you paint. Use drop cloths or old sheets to protect the stairs. 
[substeps] If there are any hanging pictures or removable fixtures on the walls of your staircase, you may want to remove them before you begin painting. Be very careful when walking on the stairs, especially if they are wooden, as the cloth will make them slippery.