Call for a Quote: 778.860.6191
Chilliwack Painters | Abbott Painters

How to work with a paint tray

It may seem strange, however, many people don’t comprehend how to correctly use a paint tray! Many just pour part of the paint into the tray and get started painting. Next, they merely roll the roller around and start painting. It is crucial to understand how the paint tray works as a tool for the best success. Discover if you are using all of your pricey paint items the right way by checking out the following guidelines. You may end up learning newer techniques that will conserve copious amounts of money and time.



Rely on accurate materials to enjoy painting success. As with most projects, having the right tools for the job ensures a better end result. It can be enticing to try and save cash with cheaper quality items; however, we advise avoiding them altogether. While better made materials will cost a bit more, they are worth the money. It is worth purchasing high-quality paint tools if you can afford to. It is easy to reuse many of your high-quality paint products if you clean them and store them correctly.

Use a stir stick to ensure that your paint is mixed thoroughly. Ideally, try to get your paint expertly mixed with a paint mixer machine where you buy your paint. Ordinarily, the paint department will tint and skillfully mix your paint upon purchase. It is advisable to use the paint as soon as possible after it has been mixed. In case there are any concerns about how thoroughly your paint is mixed, stir it slowly using a paint stick. Check that there is no separation taking place while you are painting and scoop down to the bottom of the can. After the paint is mixed, pour roughly 1 / 3 of the can in to the deep end of your paint tray.

Be certain to cover the total roller. A lot of people casually dip their paint roller; however, it is vital to cover the entire roller. It's common for people to only coat one side of their paint roller thinking the paint will carry itself through; however, this results in uneven problems. Refrain from spilling the paint by rolling slowly whenever you refill the paint roller. Preserve your floor with newspaper, a tarp, or drop cloth and set your paint roller there when you need to.

Drying and relaxing your paint roller. Once your paint roller is thoroughly loaded with paint, it needs some time to rest or dry. This is why there is a shallow section of the tray or in certain designs, the bucket screen. Gently roll your paint roller within the shallow side of the bucket screen or paint tray to help eliminate any excess paint so that it is not dripping. Following this step, you can carefully move the roller to the wall and start your masterpiece!

Commence your paint party! Begin painting your walls roughly a foot from the lower corner. Use a “W” design and come up and across the wall. Count on steps 3 and 4 for re-filling your paint roller and topping up your paint tray until you are finished.



Correctly clean your paint tools when finished. It is important to clean up and look after your tools any time you are done for the day. Caring for your paint equipment will help you reuse your items several times. When you lack storage or are not going to paint again soon, contemplate reselling your paint equipment. Follow the cleaning guidelines on your can for your oil-based or latex paint products, as they require either water or solvents.

Understanding how to optimize and protect your gear will help you get the best results. Avoid wasting paint and regularly buying new paint equipment by learning how to take care of your gear. It can be expensive to renovate, so save money where you can. Take care of your paint products to ensure they can be used again and feel great about helping the planet and your wallet.

Call Us Today
778.860.6191


Articles & Resources

Stains Stains
Applying Caulking Applying Caulking
Simms Chilliwack Simms Chilliwack