Dulux makes the colour pop 👇 but the tray decides how it rolls...

The wrong paint tray will sink your finish — here’s how to pick the right one

July 14, 2025

The overlooked tool that often makes or breaks your final paint finish

Why the right tray matters more than you think

Rolling out paint seems simple, right? Dip, roll, repeat. But here’s the sticky truth — the wrong tray can leave you with streaks, splatters, wasted paint, and a double-sized clean-up job. If your project matters (and let’s be honest, they all do), giving a bit of thought to your paint tray is more than worth it.

Think of your tray as the backstage hero of a good paint job. It might not get the praise your walls will after their glow-up, but it’s doing the hard yards — holding the paint, helping you load your roller evenly, and quietly keeping your rhythm steady across room after room.

So… which paint tray should you actually use?

That’s going to come down to what you’re painting, where you’re working, and how much mess you’re keen to avoid. Here’s how to make a smart pick — without overthinking it.

Pick the right size (and skip the overflows)

Size does matter here. A tray that’s too small leads to slopped edges; too big and you're wasting paint.

230mm tray: This standard size suits most medium rollers – your go-to for walls and ceilings.
270mm+ trays: Better for larger rollers or when you’re tackling big spaces. Think fences, sheds, lounge room walls.
Mini trays (100mm): Ideal for edges, trims, or smaller jobs like furniture or touch-ups.

Bonus tip? Match your tray width to your roller width. Obvious maybe, but overlooked far too often.

Liner or no liner?

Here’s where the DIY debates heat up. Some love liners for the quick clean-up. Others reckon they’re just more waste in the bin.

With liners: Time-saving and tidy. Great for when you're switching colours or working inside and don’t want paint down the sink.
Without liners: Feels a bit sturdier and eliminates plastic use. Just be ready for more clean up.

“A good tray with a sturdy liner has saved me a lot of mess over the years — especially on jobs where I’m in and out quick and need to stay tidy.” — Candeece, Paint Team Lead

Think grip. Think solid.

Ever had a tray slide across a tarp mid-roll? Or worse — tip over completely? It’s not just frustrating — it can throw hours of prep down the drain.

Look for trays with:

Non-slip feet: These help trays stay put, especially on drop sheets or uneven surfaces.
Raised roll-off grids: For an even paint load across the roller. No heavy buildups or patchy strokes.
Heavy-duty plastic or recycled metal: Durable, stable, and no flexing under pressure.

Pour. Don’t puddle.

A properly designed tray has one job: to give you control. Look for sloped walls and well-shaped wells that stop you from dumping the whole tin in and making what looks like a grape stomp out of your tray.

If you’re working with higher-end paints — especially thick-cut ones with a heavy pigment load — this precision matters. You want to roll smooth, not scoop and splatter.

Need something sturdier for repeat use?

Reusable trays with stronger walls and heavy bases are a great call if painting’s your regular weekend therapy (or trade). Durable options will save you time and dollars across multiple paint jobs. Look after them, and they’ll hang around longer than most celeb marriages.

Disposable trays: Are they worth it?

Maybe. If you’re doing a quick one-off, using multiple colours, or just don’t want to deal with clean-up in winter when the hose is packed away.

But they’re flimsier and tend to slide more — so add extra protection underneath unless you want a colourful splash across the patio tiles.

Final word? Don't overlook the basics

For real, the biggest game-changer in a smooth, pro-looking paint job? Solid prep and the right tools — and trays are just as important as the roller or brush in your hand.

So next time you reach for the paint gear, ask yourself: