You are going to enjoy faster painting clean-up by using a paint tray liner. Simply dump the leftover paint back into the can to use another time. Carefully rinsing your paint tray liner will allow you to reuse it many times.



One of the main parts of a renovation or new build is to use primers and paints which are oil-based or latex. New builds often count on latex primer on the walls. Painting over any wallpaper glue residue or water-damaged surfaces will require a heavier oil-based sealer primer called “Kilz.” This is a great product for going over oil-based blemishes that will bleed through multiple layers of paint or eliminating any old mildew. In many situations, a primer is necessary.

Employing a metal paint tray is favored for many individuals using a primer. They use a tray liner for the latex paint to prevent combining two products in one container (oil vs. water). Reuse your paint tray liner by thoroughly washing and drying it after use. Follow the instructions for cleaning located on your paint can and rinse out your paintbrushes with your paint tray liner following the job.

DIY Paint Tray Liners vs. Store-Bought

The pre-formed, plastic paint tray liners are less expensive. They are made to fit into your paint tray. The majority of people imagine they are disposable and only for single-use. Wash and dry paint tray liners to have on hand for potential painting projects. If you properly wash and dry your painting supplies, they can be used indefinitely. Avoid implementing a paint tray liner that hasn’t been emptied properly. The residual paint will chip off and get into your new paint, destroying everything. You will likely have tiny globs of old paint interwoven into your new project. Prevent the potential for disaster by simply cleaning your paint tray liner thoroughly after each use.

Avert the potential for disaster by simply cleaning your paint tray liner effectively after each use.

This could be absolutely avoided when you get into the habit of cleaning your paint tray liner.

Make your own paint tray liner with aluminum foil

Use a piece of aluminum foil that is close to 6” greater than your paint tray. Place the foil into the tray and tuck it into every one of the four corners. Fold the aluminum gently over the paint tray edges. This is a very fragile liner. You'll want to be super careful not to rip the foil since it rips so easily. Note that the foil frequently sticks to the charged roller. Tiny bits of aluminum foil can accidentally show up on your wall or painted surface. This makes it challenging rely on aluminum foil for massive projects such as an entire room. While you're completed painting, return the excess paint into the can. Roll the used foil up properly and place it in the garbage once your painting is complete.



Create a paint tray liner with plastic bags

You can use a disposable plastic bag or kitchen garbage bag for the next paint tray liner. It is easy; just open the plastic bag and slide your paint tray inside. Then, turn the tray over and tape the bag’s unfastened ends in place with either masking tape or painter’s tape. Pour excess paint back into the can if you have any left inside your tray after painting.

It is simple and fast to clean up afterward. Take off the bag from the paint tray by removing it inside out. If you don’t prefer to wash and re-use your paint roller, you can add it to the plastic bag. Keep your hands clean by using the plastic bag to drag the paint roller sleeve from the cage. This will prevent you getting paint all over your hands. Next, be sure to tie your plastic bag closed ahead of placing it into the garbage. Place your bag into the garbage after tying it shut first.

Is a paint tray liner truly necessary?

Using a paint tray liner is personal discretion. Many people today simply pour the paint inside their paint tray exclusively. Put leftover paint back into your can for the next day. Some tend to just allow the paint to dry and never rinse their paint tray nice and clean. As layers of paint build up, your paint tray will become heavy. However, if you can safely wash your paint tray instead that may be a better option. Some folks argue that the new paint will dissolve the previously hardened layers and trigger paint bits to get stuck in the roller and wreck your smooth 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 easier. Make clean-up easy by immersing your latex paintbrush inside the paint tray with water. Take pleasure in your painting endeavor whatever method or products you choose.