How to Paint a Recessed Balcony Ledge

Set up a stable work platform beneath the ledge. For most home balconies, your work area is a simple A-frame ladder with an attached tray for paint supplies. Balcony ledges several stories up on the side of an apartment complex or other large building pose a more difficult challenge. For a ledge more than three stories high, you'll need scaffolding rather than a ladder. Some home improvement stores rent scaffolding.

Remove exterior dirt buildup, using a pressure washer. Hold the nozzle approximately 2 feet from the balcony ledge as you spray down the surface. Wait for the water to dry before continuing.

Drape plastic sheets across the exposed surfaces near the recessed balcony ledge, and tape the sheets, using painter's tape. Make sure everything by the ledge is covered, since you'll be painting with a fine mist that can waft onto nearby surfaces.

Spray primer onto the recessed ledge surface, using an airless spray gun. Hold the spray nozzle 10 inches from the surface and keep it moving. Many recessed balcony ledges are made from stone, and masonry primer works best for these surfaces. If your balcony is wooden, opt for a stain-blocking wood primer. Prime metal recessed balconies with rust-inhibiting primer. Vinyl surfaces require bonding primer. Wait for the freshly primed ledge to dry before continuing.

Spray the recessed balcony ledge with exterior oil-based or latex paint. Hold the spray nozzle 10 inches from the recessed ledge and pan back and forth in a smooth motion. Wait for the first coat to dry.

Apply a second coat of paint to the recessed balcony ledge.

Remove the painter's tape, plastic sheets and ladder after 24 hours.