I'm surprised not to see any replies to this question.
I suggest visiting your local hardware store and asking there. I do know that there are glazing compounds you can use in a gun, maybe there are other nifty new products that would meet your needs?
I'd sure consider using ladders or a professional painter, instead of the lift, if you really do need to paint the putty.
My 2? worth: I thought I had learned years ago that you don't have to paint some (or all?) metal sash putties. Below is an address for DAP with technical info about their #1012 putty for metal sash. I also copied a bit from that site regarding painting, FYI. Remember that this is an excerpt.
- Tod
http://www.dap.com/docs/tech/00010402.pdf? Under most conditions, a firm set will be attained in 7-21 days. The drying time is approximately three weeks, depending on temperature, humidity, air movement, sunlight and fill volume. The compound will not suffer damage from casual fingering at this stage. However, the sash should be operated carefully to avoid possible adhesion loss. Full adhesion will develop within two to four months, depending on the job conditions.
? Does not require painting. If painting is desired, glazing may be painted with oil or latex-based paint after it has skinned over and attained a firm set (7-21 days depending on temperature, humidity and volume of fill).
Prime first with oil-based primer if using latex-based paint. When painting is being done, the paint line should overlap onto the glass on the face portion, as well as the bedding area of the sash and glass.