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



Latex and oil-based paint items and primers are popular in most renovations. You may be able to use a latex primer if your walls are pristine or it is a new build. However, if you are modernizing any older, water-stained walls or ones with residue from wallpaper glue, it will be advisable to choose an oil-based primer called “Kilz.” This product will seal any issues and supply a clean surface. This is an excellent item to kill mildew or seal mold and is a good choice for painting over oil-based wood stains that can bleed through layers of new paint. Primer is critical for many different situations.

Working with a metal paint tray is widespread for many individuals using a primer. They use a tray liner for the latex paint to circumvent blending two products in one container (oil vs. water). Reuse your paint tray liner by thoroughly washing and drying it after use. Refer to the instructions for cleaning located on your paint can and rinse off your paintbrushes with your paint tray liner at the end of the job.

What is the difference between store-bought paint tray liners and DIY options?

Pre-formed to slip into your paint tray, the liners are inexpensive and readily available. They are custom-made to fit inside of your paint tray. Many people believe they are disposable and only for single-use. However, save the planet and just tidy them when you are finished! They can endure for decades of painting projects. Reusing a grimy paint tray liner can mess up your paint job. The residual paint will chip away and get inside your new paint, ruining everything. You will likely have tiny globs of old paint intertwined into your new project. This may be entirely avoided if you get into the practice of rinsing your paint tray liner.

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

Some DIY paint tray liner ideas can potentially get you through your subsequent painting gig.

Make your own paint tray liner with aluminum foil

Use a piece of aluminum foil that is roughly 6” greater than your paint tray. Place the aluminum foil in the corners of your paint tray. Carefully fold the foil over the edges of the paint tray. Aluminum foil is ultra delicate and at risk of easy tearing so go slow. The filled paint roller sleeve regularly clings to the foil. Take care not to roll pieces of foil into your painting project. Aluminum foil isn’t the most effective paint liner option for large jobs. Afterward, place the leftover paint into your can. Gently collect the foil by rolling it together and throw it in the waste when finished.



Make a DIY liner with plastic bags

A kitchen garbage bag or a non reusable plastic shopping bag may be your paint tray liner. It's easy; just open the plastic bag and move your paint tray inside. Then, rotate the tray over and tape the bag’s loose ends in place with either masking tape or painter’s tape. Pour extra paint back into the can should you have any left inside your tray after painting.

It really is simple and fast to clean up afterward. Just pull the bag off inside out from the paint tray and throw away. If you don’t intend to wash and re-use your paint roller, you can add it into the plastic bag. Keep your hands clean by using the plastic bag to pull the paint roller sleeve from the cage. It is really an easy approach to help you avoid unnecessary paint exposure. Lastly, tie the bag closed and set it into the garbage. Next, be certain to tie your plastic bag shut before putting it into the garbage.

Is a paint tray liner truly necessary?

Some people feel that they do not require a paint tray liner to finish their work. Many people opt to skip the liner and pour their paint directly into the tray. Put leftover paint back into your can for another day. Some choose to just allow the paint to dry and never rinse their paint tray nice and clean. Eventually, your paint tray becomes heavier as the layers of hardened paint accumulate. Safely and effectively cleaning your paint tray is a better choice. Also, new paint may dissolve collected old paint and create tiny pieces to arise in new paint jobs.

Liners may be better for oil-based products to shorten cleaning. However, latex paint only needs water to clean brushes and the liner making it possible to skip the liner since cleanup is simpler. Some people soak their latex paintbrushes in their paint tray temporarily to simplify rinsing. Take pleasure in your painting endeavor whatever method or products you choose.