Best Paint Trays of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

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Paint trays are an essential tool for any painting project, whether it's a small touch-up or a large-scale renovation. They come in different sizes and materials, from plastic to metal, and can hold various amounts of paint. Some paint trays have ridges or compartments to help distribute the paint evenly on the brush or roller. Others have disposable liners or covers to make cleanup quick and easy. Paint trays are a convenient way to keep the paint contained and accessible, making the painting process more efficient and less messy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Bates- Paint Tray Liner, 9 Inch, 10 Pack Cover #TOP 1
Bates- Paint Tray Liner, 9 Inch, 10 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bates 9-Inch Paint Tray Set Cover #TOP 2
Bates 9-Inch Paint Tray Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Sealer Applicator Cover #TOP 3
Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Sealer Applicator
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paint Trays

#TOP 1

Bates- Paint Tray Liner, 9 Inch, 10 Pack

PL09
White
10 Pack 9 Inch
Bates- Paint Tray Liner, 9 Inch, 10 Pack Cover
Bates Choice- Paint Tray Liner, White Paint Pans Trays, Pan Liners, 9 Inch, 10 pcs

Bates Paint Tray Liner is a convenient and practical tool for house painting. With its form-fitting design that resists cracking, it helps to prolong the life of your paint tray, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. The eye-catching color adds a stylish touch to your collection of painting supplies. Switching between paint colors is a breeze with these disposable paint tray liners, saving you time and ensuring a faster job. After painting, there's no need to clean up the tray - simply wipe out the excess paint and lift out the liner. With Bates Paint Tray Liner, you can enjoy a hassle-free painting experience.

What We Like
Easy cleanup and disposal
Good value for money
Fits standard 9" rollers
Reduces paint tray cleaning
Sturdy plastic construction
What We Don't Like
Slightly short for some trays
Not very thick or rigid
#TOP 2

Bates 9-Inch Paint Tray Set

DMZU012B409
Gray
12 pcs
Bates 9-Inch Paint Tray Set Cover
Bates- Paint Tray Set, 9 Inch, 12 pcs, 1x 9 Inch Paint Roller Tray, 10x Disposable Tray Liners & 1x Roller Frame

The Bates Paint Tray Set offers a complete painting solution with its 12-piece collection, including a 9-inch tray, ten disposable liners, and a sturdy roller frame. This spacious tray can hold plenty of paint, allowing you to cover large areas efficiently. The disposable liners make cleanup a breeze, protecting the tray from paint spills. Plus, the roller frame is designed for comfort, giving you excellent control for achieving professional-quality results on any surface. This set is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their painting projects.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Easy cleanup
Great value
High-quality liners
Fits most 9-inch rollers
What We Don't Like
Tray is plastic, not metal
#TOP 3

Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Sealer Applicator

APLTRAY8
Clear
Single
Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Sealer Applicator Cover
Miracle Sealants Sealer Applicator & Tray for Tile, Stone & Grout Sealers

The Miracle Sealants Sealer Tray is designed to make applying tile, stone, and grout sealers simple and efficient. Its user-friendly design helps you easily manage how much sealer you apply, preventing waste and mess. This tray is disposable, so you can save time on cleanup after your project. Plus, it's affordable, making it a great choice for small jobs or quick touch-ups. Whether you're sealing a few tiles or refreshing your grout, this tray offers a practical and cost-effective solution to help you get the job done smoothly and neatly.

What We Like
Easy application process
Reusable with simple cleaning
Saves sealer quantity
Professional finish results
Effective dirt and stain protection
What We Don't Like
Durability could be improved
Packaging tray is flimsy
#TOP 4

Bates Choice 4 Inch Paint Tray Set 22 pcs

RPHY022B405
Black
4 Inch, 22 pcs
Bates Choice 4 Inch Paint Tray Set 22 pcs Cover
Bates- 4 Inch Paint Tray Set, 22 pcs, 1x 4 Inch Paint Roller Tray, 20x Disposable Plastic Liners & 1x Roller Frame

The Bates 4 Inch Paint Tray is a handy set that helps you tackle small painting jobs with ease. It includes a durable tray, a sturdy roller frame, and 20 disposable liners, so you can switch colors quickly without the mess. The tray’s compact size is perfect for detailed work like trim, doors, or cabinets, giving you better control. Made from lightweight, high-quality plastic, the tray and liners are easy to clean or toss, saving you time and effort during and after your project.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Cost effective kit
Includes disposable tray liners
Convenient for small projects
Easy cleanup
What We Don't Like
Limited paint capacity
#TOP 5

BLACK+DECKER Paint Tray Liner 10 Pack

32362
Brown
BLACK+DECKER Paint Tray Liner 10 Pack Cover
Black+Decker Paint Tray Liner - 10 Pack: Convenient Disposable Liners for Easy Cleanup - Compatible with Standard Paint Trays - Ideal for DIY Projects and Professional Painting Jobs

The BLACK+DECKER Tray Liners come in a pack of ten, making your painting cleanup much easier by letting you simply toss the liners after use. This saves you from the hassle of scrubbing paint trays. They are designed to fit most standard paint trays snugly, so you don’t have to worry about poor fit or spills. Whether you are working on a DIY project at home or doing professional painting, these liners help keep your workspace tidy and streamline the whole process. They are a handy tool to make painting less messy and more efficient.

What We Like
Convenient disposable liner
Fits standard metal trays
Eliminates washing trays
Saves cleanup time
What We Don't Like
Size may not match description
Material feels somewhat cheap
#TOP 6

Bates Choice 4 Inch Paint Tray Set

PTCO022B417
Blue
Bates Choice 4 Inch Paint Tray Set Cover
Bates- 4 Inch Paint Tray Set, 22 pcs, 1x 4 Inch Paint Roller Tray, 20x Disposable Plastic Liners & 1x Roller Frame, Black & Blue

The Bates 4 Inch Paint Set includes everything you need for a smooth painting job. It comes with a 4-inch tray that’s perfect for small projects or touch-ups, giving you better control and less mess. The set also features 20 disposable plastic liners that make cleanup fast and easy, so you won’t have to worry about leftover paint. Plus, the roller frame is designed to help you apply paint evenly and smoothly. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and store, making this set a great choice whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned painter.

What We Like
Affordable price
Convenient disposable trays
Easy to use
Good roller performance
Compact tray design
What We Don't Like
Not super sturdy
#TOP 7

Bates Choice 9 Inch Paint Tray 2-Pack

EIKB002B417
Black
Bates Choice 9 Inch Paint Tray 2-Pack Cover
Bates- 9 Inch Paint Tray, 2 Pack, Black Plastic Paint Roller Tray 9 Inch, Deep Capacity, Textured Ridge

The Bates 9 Inch Paint Trays come in a convenient two-pack, making it easy for you to handle multiple painting tasks or switch colors without hassle. Made from sturdy, high-quality plastic, these trays are built to last, so you can rely on them for many projects. Each tray is generously sized at 11 by 14.5 inches, giving your roller plenty of room to pick up paint efficiently. Plus, the textured grid design helps spread paint evenly on your roller, which means less drips and smoother coverage for your walls or furniture. These features make painting simpler and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Convenient alternative to hardware stores
Reusable with trash bag method
Works well with latex paint
Fits brush size and sturdy
Useful for multiple tasks
#TOP 8

Bates Choice 6 Inch Paint Roller Tray Kit

NMOF004B403
Black
Bates Choice 6 Inch Paint Roller Tray Kit Cover
Bates- 6 Inch Paint Roller Tray Set, 12 pcs, 6 Inch Paint Tray Kit, 1x Black Plastic Paint Tray, 10x Transparent Liners & 1x 4 Roller Frame

The Bates 6 Inch Paint Kit is designed to make your painting projects easier and more efficient. It comes with a sturdy plastic paint tray that holds your paint securely and cleans up quickly, saving you time and effort. The kit includes a 4-inch roller frame, perfect for handling smaller areas with smooth and even paint coverage. You'll also get 10 clear tray liners, which let you switch colors or finish jobs without the hassle of scrubbing the tray. Whether you're a DIYer or a pro, this set gives you reliable tools that streamline your work and cleanup.

What We Like
Sturdy trays and roller
Easy to clean
Perfect for small jobs
Good price value
Convenient disposable liners
What We Don't Like
Occasional missing tray in order
#TOP 9

KATA 36pcs Painting Pyramid Stands

KT-P32S
36pc
Mini
KATA 36pcs Painting Pyramid Stands Cover
KATA Painters Pyramid Stands: 36pcs Painting Pyramids Stands for Cabinet Doors Paint & Pouring - Mini Triangle Cone Paint Tripods for Canvas Risers Support - Art DIY Woodworking Tools Accessories

The KATA Painting Pyramid Stands come in a set of 36 mini pyramid-shaped cones that help you paint or stain your projects with ease. These stands keep your items elevated, so you can work on both sides without worrying about sticking. They are perfect for various uses, including painting cabinet doors, furniture staining, and acrylic paint pouring, making your creative projects cleaner and more manageable. The stands are designed to nest together for simple storage and transport, saving you space when not in use. Plus, their lockable design ensures stability by securely connecting the stands to your work surface or to each other for added support and flexibility.

What We Like
Stable support
Large quantity per pack
Affordable price
Easy to clean
Quick shipping
What We Don't Like
Minor sliding on points
May leave small marks
#TOP 10

Bates Choice 9 Inch Paint Tray Liners Set

QBAI020B408
Silver
9 Inch, 21 pcs
Bates Choice 9 Inch Paint Tray Liners Set Cover
Bates 9 Inch Paint Tray Liners - 21 pcs, One Metal Tray with 20 Plastic Liners

The Bates Choice Paint Tray Set includes a sturdy metal tray that gives you a reliable base for your painting projects, preventing spills and wobbling. It comes with 20 disposable liners, which make cleaning up a breeze—just toss them when you're done, saving you time and effort. The liners and tray have a textured surface that helps spread paint evenly on your roller, so you get smooth, consistent coverage every time. Designed to fit 9-inch rollers perfectly, this set is a practical choice whether you’re a professional or a DIYer looking to make your painting tasks easier and more efficient.

What We Like
Good value for money
Thicker than store alternatives
Fits standard paint trays
Easy cleanup
Reusable for multiple uses
What We Don't Like
A bit thin
Metal tray less sturdy
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I use if I don't have a paint tray?

If you don't have a paint tray, you can use a shoe box top as a makeshift paint tray for small paint jobs. It's lightweight, easy to hold, and sturdy enough to hold the paint. Once you're done, you can simply dispose of it.

2. Can you put new paint in an old paint tray?

It is important to clean an old paint tray before using it again. Any leftover paint in the tray can mix with the fresh paint and affect the color or consistency. Cleaning the tray ensures a clean and smooth application of the new paint.

3. Should you always pour paint into a tray?

Yes, pouring paint into a tray is recommended for a smooth and easy application. Using a roller with paint from a tray extends the life of the paint can and allows for even coverage on the walls or surfaces being painted.

4. Can you use an old paint tray for new paint?

It is important to clean an old paint tray before using it for new paint. Any paint residue in the tray can mix with the fresh paint and affect the color or consistency. Cleaning the tray ensures a clean and professional application of the new paint.

Editor's Notes

During our paint tray research, we found 24 paint tray products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 40,229 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 $11.61.

The paint trays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paint trays, including Bates Choice, Miracle Sealants, BLACK+DECKER, KATA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,458 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Paint Trays Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
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#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Bates Choice Bates Choice Miracle Sealants Bates Choice BLACK+DECKER Bates Choice Bates Choice Bates Choice KATA Bates Choice
Item Weight 0.32 Kilograms 1.23 Kilograms 0.15 Pounds 0.7 Kilograms - 0.67 Kilograms 0.37 Kilograms 0.7 Kilograms 9.9 ounces 1.18 Kilograms
Color White Gray - Black - Blue Black Black 36pc Silver
Material Plastic Plastic Synthetic material - - Plastic - Plastic Plastic Metal
Style 10 Pack Functional Rectangular Tray with Textured Surface and Roller Frame Disposable - - compact Basic Basic - Metal tray with textured surface
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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