Using a paint tray liner shortens clean-up big time! After you are finished painting, you can pour any residual paint back into the paint can. Carefully rinsing your paint tray liner allows you to reuse it many times.



One of the primary parts of a remodel or new build is to use primers and paints which can be oil-based or latex. You may be able to use a latex primer if the walls are pristine or it is a new build. On the other hand, if you are updating any older, water-stained walls or ones with remains from wallpaper glue, it will be better to choose an oil-based primer called “Kilz.” This product will seal any issues and provide a clean surface. Kilz is perfect for sealing mildew and heavy staining. It is an ideal product if you will be painting over top of oil-based wood stain which can seep through levels of paint. Primer is essential in many circumstances.

Some people prefer to utilize a metal paint tray for their primer. They use a tray liner for the latex paint to circumvent blending two products in one container (oil vs. water). Take care of your paint tray liner by diligently rinsing and drying it after your job. Follow the instructions for cleaning located on your paint can and rinse out your paintbrushes with your paint tray liner following the job.

STORE-BOUGHT TRAY LINERS Vs. DIY

Pre-formed to slip into your paint tray, the liners are inexpensive and readily available. They are custom-made to fit inside your paint tray. Regrettably, most individuals believe they are single-use-only and disposable. Wash and dry paint tray liners to keep on hand for future painting projects. With good care and attention, paint tray liners can last for years. Reusing a dirty paint tray liner can damage your paint job. The residual paint will chip off and get inside your new paint, spoiling everything. There will be bits of old paint strewn throughout your new paint, wrecking your potential for a flawless finish. This can be totally avoided if you get into the habit of rinsing your paint tray liner.

This can be absolutely avoided if you get in to the habit of rinsing your paint tray liner.

Some DIY paint tray liner concepts can potentially get you through your upcoming painting gig.

Aluminum Foil paint tray liner DIY

Use a portion of aluminum foil that is close to 6” bigger than your paint tray. Put it into the tray and tuck it into the corners. Gently fold the aluminum over the paint tray’s edge. Aluminum foil is extremely delicate and prone to easy tearing so go slow. The loaded paint roller sleeve frequently clings to the foil. Little bits of aluminum foil may accidentally emerge on your wall or painted surface. This makes it difficult rely on aluminum foil for giant projects such as an entire room. Afterward, pour the leftover paint into your can. Roll the foil together and dispose of it properly in the trash can when you are done.



Make a DIY liner with plastic bags

Some people rely on plastic shopping bags or kitchen-sized garbage bags to line their paint tray. Simply place the paint tray into the bag. Then, flip the tray over and tape the bag’s free ends in place with either masking tape or painter’s tape. Now you are finished painting, dump any surplus paint back into the can.

Cleaning up with this strategy is simple. Take the bag out of of the paint tray effortlessly by pulling the bag inside out. If you don’t want to wash and re-use your paint roller, you can add it in the plastic bag. Utilize the bag to pull the roller sleeve from the cage. This will help to you avoid getting toxic paint on your skin. Lastly, tie the bag closed and put it into the garbage. Finally, tie the bag shut and put it into the garbage.

Is a paint tray liner truly necessary?

Using a paint tray liner is personal discretion. It is not uncommon for a bunch of folks to directly pour their paint into their tray. When you're done, return any surplus paint to your can. Some choose to simply allow the paint to dry rather than rinse their paint tray nice and clean. However, this will create a heavy paint tray sooner or later as layers of hardened paint grow with time. Safely and effectively cleaning your paint tray is a better choice. You may destroy your newly coloured surface because fresh paint could dissolve previous layers of old paint in the holder and transfer to your new finish.

Liners are often a safer option for oil-based paints because they need solvents for cleanup. However, latex paint only requires water to clean brushes and the liner therefore it is possible to skip the liner since cleanup is a lot easier. Make clean-up easy by immersing your latex paintbrush in the paint tray with water. Whichever method you adopt, have fun painting!