Paint Trays

About Paint Trays

Paint trays are essential decorating tools that provide a convenient reservoir for holding paint whilst allowing rollers to be loaded evenly and efficiently. Available in various sizes to accommodate different roller widths, paint trays feature a ribbed or dimpled ramp section that helps distribute paint uniformly across the roller sleeve and removes excess paint before application. The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes both reusable heavy-duty plastic trays and disposable options, along with compatible liners that make cleanup quick and hassle-free.

Modern paint trays are designed with practical features such as ergonomic handles for easy manoeuvrability, deep wells to hold sufficient paint for extended work periods, and sturdy construction that resists flexing when loaded. Disposable paint tray liners have become increasingly popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, as they eliminate the need for thorough cleaning between colour changes or at the end of a project. Simply remove and dispose of the liner, leaving the main tray ready for immediate reuse.

Whether you're undertaking large-scale commercial decorating projects or refreshing a single room at home, choosing the appropriate paint tray size and style can significantly impact work efficiency and finish quality. Tooled-Up stocks trusted brands including Faithfull, Draper, and Marshalltown, ensuring reliable performance across various painting applications from fine detail work with mini trays to full-scale interior and exterior decorating with standard 9-inch models.

Jargon Buster

• Roller Tray: The complete assembly consisting of a paint reservoir and ribbed ramp designed specifically for loading paint rollers evenly. Standard sizes accommodate 4-inch, 7-inch, or 9-inch rollers.
• Tray Liners: Disposable inserts that fit inside reusable paint trays, protecting the main tray from paint contamination and eliminating cleanup time. Available in PVC or similar durable plastics.
• Ribbed Ramp: The textured inclined section of the tray where excess paint is rolled off the sleeve, ensuring even paint distribution and preventing drips or runs during application.
• Heavy-Duty Construction: Paint trays manufactured from thicker, more robust plastic materials designed to withstand repeated use on professional job sites without cracking or flexing under load.
• Mini Paint Tray: Compact paint trays designed for use with 4-inch mini rollers, ideal for smaller surfaces, cutting in, or working in confined spaces such as behind radiators.
• Paint Well: The deeper reservoir section of the tray that holds the bulk of the paint supply, allowing multiple roller loads without constant refilling.

Who Uses Paint Trays?

• Professional Decorators: Tradespeople who rely on efficient paint application tools for both residential and commercial projects
• Maintenance Teams: Property management and facilities staff responsible for ongoing building upkeep and refurbishment
• Painting Contractors: Specialists undertaking large-scale decorating contracts requiring reliable, time-saving equipment
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners tackling interior and exterior painting projects who want professional-quality results
• Landlords: Property owners preparing rental units between tenancies or carrying out periodic maintenance
• Shopfitters: Trade professionals fitting out retail spaces who need quick, efficient paint application
• Scenery Painters: Theatre and film set designers working on backdrop and prop painting
• Furniture Restorers: Craftspeople applying paint finishes to refurbished or upcycled items

How to Choose the Right Paint Trays

Roller Size Compatibility: Ensure the tray matches your roller width. Mini trays suit 4-inch rollers for detail work, whilst standard 9-inch trays accommodate the most common roller size for walls and ceilings. Using mismatched sizes leads to inefficient paint loading and potential spillage.

Disposable vs Reusable: Consider whether disposable plastic trays or reusable heavy-duty options better suit your requirements. For infrequent use or single-colour projects, disposable trays offer ultimate convenience. Professional decorators working across multiple jobs often prefer robust reusable trays with disposable liners for the best balance of durability and easy cleanup.

Material Quality: Heavy-duty plastic trays from brands like Faithfull and Marshalltown resist flexing when loaded with paint, preventing spills during transport around the work area. Cheaper thin plastic versions may crack or warp, particularly on demanding job sites.

Liner Availability: If opting for a reusable tray, verify that compatible disposable liners are readily available. This combination maximises convenience whilst protecting your investment in quality equipment.

Project Scale: Match the paint well depth to your project size. Deeper wells reduce refilling frequency on large jobs, improving productivity, whilst shallower trays suit smaller touch-up tasks and reduce paint waste.

Storage and Transport: Consider how trays will be stored between uses and transported to different locations. Stackable designs save space in vans and storage areas, particularly important for mobile tradespeople.

Popular Accessories

• Paint Rollers: Various nap lengths and widths to match your tray size and paint type
• Roller Extension Poles: Telescopic handles for reaching ceilings and high walls without ladders
• Disposable Tray Liners: Packs of replacement liners for reusable trays in matching sizes
• Paint Brushes: For cutting in around edges and detailed work where rollers cannot reach
• Dust Sheets: Protective coverings to prevent paint splashes on floors and furniture
• Masking Tape: For achieving clean, professional edges and protecting trim
• Paint Kettles: Smaller containers for decanting paint when using brushes
• Scuttle Sets: Integrated roller and brush systems for increased portability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can paint tray liners be washed and reused?

Yes, quality PVC tray liners from brands like Draper can be washed and reused several times if cleaned promptly after use. However, most decorators find the time saved by simply disposing of liners between jobs outweighs the minimal cost of replacements, particularly when changing colours or paint types.

What size paint tray do I need for standard wall painting?

A 9-inch (230mm) paint tray is the industry standard for most interior and exterior wall painting projects, as it accommodates the most commonly used roller width. This size provides an optimal balance between paint capacity and portability. Mini 4-inch trays are better suited to smaller surfaces or detailed work.

How do I prevent paint from drying in the tray during breaks?

Cover the loaded tray tightly with cling film or place it inside a sealed plastic bag during short breaks. For longer periods, transfer unused paint back to the tin and clean the tray or dispose of the liner. Paint can begin skinning over within 30-60 minutes depending on temperature and humidity levels.

Are metal paint trays better than plastic ones?

Metal trays offer superior durability and are virtually indestructible, making them popular with professional decorators who use them daily. However, modern heavy-duty plastic trays provide excellent performance at lower cost and weight, whilst being easier to clean and resistant to rust. The choice largely depends on usage frequency and personal preference.

Do I need different trays for water-based and solvent-based paints?

Standard plastic and metal paint trays are suitable for both water-based (emulsion) and solvent-based paints. However, using disposable liners is particularly advantageous when working with solvent-based products, as cleanup is more demanding and the solvents required can degrade certain plastics over time with repeated exposure.