Best Paint Trays of 2026
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Paint trays are a common tool used in the painting industry. They are designed to hold paint for easy application with a roller or brush. Paint trays come in different sizes and shapes, and are made of various materials such as plastic, metal, and disposable cardboard. They are an essential item for any DIY enthusiast or professional painter as they make the painting process much easier and efficient. Additionally, paint trays are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective investment.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 9 Paint Trays
Pack of 5 Professional Plastic Roller Trays
The RLRY Paint Roller Trays are designed for general use with 9" rollers, making them ideal for both DIY projects and professional applications. Made from 100% recycled plastic, these trays are not only eco-friendly but also durable, ensuring they can withstand regular use. The deep paint reservoir allows you to hold ample paint, reducing the need for frequent refills. Additionally, the ribbed rolling area helps you achieve an even application, ensuring a smooth finish on your surfaces.
Mister Rui 6 Inch Plastic Paint Tray Set
The Mister Rui Paint Tray is a versatile painting tool designed to make your projects easier. The set includes one sturdy paint tray and five disposable liners, ensuring you have plenty of options for your painting needs. The 6-inch tray is crafted from premium materials, providing stability and preventing deformation when holding paint. This robust design allows you to hold more paint and switch between colours effortlessly, making your painting tasks more efficient. Additionally, the reusable trays and liners can save you money when used correctly, helping you keep your workspace clean.
Hamilton Paint Roller Tray Liners, 9", Pack of 6
The Hamilton Tray Liners are designed for ease of use, making your painting projects more efficient. Their value for money ensures you get a quality product without breaking the bank. You will appreciate their durability, as they withstand the rigours of painting tasks. The thoughtful design also means they fit perfectly in standard roller trays, providing a reliable solution for mess-free painting. These liners simplify the cleanup process, allowing you to focus on achieving a great finish.
9in Harris Seriously Good Paint Tray Liners
The Harris 9in Paint Tray Liners are perfect if you plan to use different paint colours in one room, as they make switching between paints quick and mess-free. These liners easily drop into a standard Harris 9" paint tray, saving you time on cleaning. They work with all types of paints, giving you flexibility no matter the project. To keep them in good condition, simply clean the liners following the paint manufacturer’s instructions and allow them to dry before storing.
Hamilton 9" Trade Paint Roller Tray
The Hamilton 9" Roller Tray is an essential tool for your painting projects. Designed to hold paint efficiently, this tray allows you to apply paint smoothly and evenly, ensuring a professional finish. Its 9-inch size makes it ideal for both small and large surfaces, providing versatility for various tasks. The durable material ensures that it can withstand repeated use, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. You will appreciate how easy it is to clean, allowing for quick transitions between different paint colours.
Faithfull Plastic Roller Kit Tray 41 x 30 cm
The Faithfull Roller Kit Tray is designed to enhance your painting experience. It features a deep paint reservoir, which allows you to hold more paint, reducing the need for constant refills. The ribbed rolling area aids in an even application onto the roller, ensuring a smooth finish every time. Made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, it is an environmentally friendly choice. This tray is suitable for most typical DIY and trade applications, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit.
ProDec 5 Pack Disposable Paint Tray Liners
The ProDec Disposable Tray Liners make painting a breeze. With a pack of five semi-rigid moulded liners, you can easily drop one into your ProDec 9" tray and remove it after use. This feature saves you time, allowing for quick and mess-free colour changes without the hassle of washing your tray. Made from recyclable PET plastic, these liners are also environmentally friendly, helping you to conserve water and reduce waste by eliminating the need for multiple trays.
Coral 73302 Plastic Paint Roller Tray 9 Inch
The Coral 73302 Paint Tray is designed for use with paint rollers up to 9 inches wide, making it ideal for a variety of painting tasks. Its plastic construction means you can easily clean it after use, saving you time and effort. The tray is durable and suitable for multiple uses, allowing you to rely on it for many projects. With a deep reservoir, it holds plenty of paint, and the ribbed area helps you evenly load your roller, ensuring a smooth and efficient painting experience.
Axus Decor Captain Chunk Onyx Paint Tray Liners 0.5L
The Axus Decor Captain Chunk is made from recycled plastic, helping you reduce your environmental impact while painting. It is specially designed for oil-based paints, so you can use it without worrying about solvent damage. The paint tray liners allow you to switch paint colours quickly and easily, making your work more efficient. Plus, they are reusable and washable, which saves you money and keeps your workspace clean. These features make the Axus Decor Captain Chunk a practical choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you need a paint tray to paint?
A paint tray is a must if you're using a paint roller. Your best bet is to buy a sturdy metal paint tray and then use disposable plastic inserts for different paint colors.
2. What can I use if I don't have a paint tray?
What Can I Use If I Don't Have A Paint Tray? You can use a cardboard box or shallow carton, such as those used for vegetable and soda cans, as a base. You can improvise a lining for cardboard since it is paper and will absorb paint. You can also reinforce the cardboard with duct tape, which is smooth and waterproof.
3. Can you leave paint in the tray?
As long as you can get it airtight, it will work just fine. I use the disposable tray liners and try to get as much of the paint off the liner as possible, pouring the remaining paint back into the can.
4. What size are paint trays?
Paint trays are made of aluminum or plastic and come in standard 7-inch and 9-inch versions. The 9-inch size is most popular because you can then use either a 7- or 9-inch roller. Some trays come with hooks that allow you to attach them directly to a ladder.
During our paint tray research, we found 306 paint tray products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,973 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paint trays list. We found that most customers choose paint trays with an average price of £6.35.
The paint trays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paint trays, including RLRY, Mister Rui, HAMILTON, Harris, Faithfull.
Mohammed Clark is an architect and a contractor. His architectural skills are not limited to designing the plan for structures alone, but it extends to aesthetics and home décor. Before establishing his firm, he worked under a construction firm for eight years. Mohammed has gathered enough experience from his time practicing as a professional architect and now has vast knowledge in home designs and aesthetics.