I N C E P T I O N A I
  1. Home kitchen garden
  2. Home improvement
  3. Paint supplies
  4. Paint trays and liners
  5. Mini trays

Mini Trays in Canada 2025: Expert Guide to the Top 5 Mini Paint Trays (Wooster, Harris, Bennett, Purdy, Richard Tools) — Which One Gives Pro-Level Precision With Minimal Mess?

Published on Sunday, August 24, 2025

Mini trays are small, versatile paint containers designed for quick touch-ups and applying paint in tight spaces, allowing for easy maneuverability and precise control with minimal mess. In Canada they are especially popular among condo owners, weekend DIYers, and professionals tackling trim, cabinetry, and small repair jobs where a full-size tray would be wasteful or unwieldy. Consumers choose mini trays for quick setup, reduced paint waste, faster cleanup, and compatibility with micro rollers and detail brushes. Material choices (durable plastic, lightweight metal, or disposable inserts) and tray geometry influence how evenly paint loads onto a roller, how easy the tray is to clean in colder climates, and how portable it is for jobs that require frequent movement between sites.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Durable Construction

2. Best Budget Friendly

3. Best for Small Touch-ups

4. Best Professional Quality

5. Best Complete Set

Top Picks Summary

  1. Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray
  2. Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray
  3. Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch
  4. Purdy Mini Roller Tray
  5. Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set
1
BEST DURABLE CONSTRUCTION

Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray

Wooster Brush

The Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray earns its position for heavy-duty molded construction and a slightly larger mini capacity that handles mini rollers and heavier loads without flexing; it outperforms cheaper disposables in durability and lowers long-term cost-per-use. Compared with the other mini trays listed, it is aimed at pros who prefer investing a bit more up front for fewer replacements and a sturdier working platform.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Extra-deep well

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Extra-deep well

  • Tough-as-nails

Review Summary

90%

"Users praise the Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray for its durable steel construction and deep well that resists warping and holds paint well after repeated use; some note it is heavier than plastic trays but worth the longevity."

  • Paint-hog friendly

  • Molded heavy-duty plastic body that resists cracking and holds shape under repeated use.

  • Paint-hog friendly

  • Molded heavy-duty plastic body that resists cracking and holds shape under repeated use.

Time-Saving Convenience

Optimized Work Efficiency

Eco-Friendly Living

The Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray earns its position for heavy-duty molded construction and a slightly larger mini capacity that handles mini rollers and heavier loads without flexing; it outperforms cheaper disposables in durability and lowers long-term cost-per-use. Compared with the other mini trays listed, it is aimed at pros who prefer investing a bit more up front for fewer replacements and a sturdier working platform.

  • Extra-deep well

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Paint-hog friendly

  • Molded heavy-duty plastic body that resists cracking and holds shape under repeated use.

  • Deep paint well and angled ramp for even loading of 4-inch mini rollers and reduced splatter.

  • Extra-deep well

  • Tough-as-nails

  • Paint-hog friendly

  • Molded heavy-duty plastic body that resists cracking and holds shape under repeated use.

  • Deep paint well and angled ramp for even loading of 4-inch mini rollers and reduced splatter.

Order Now
From 13.57$
2
BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY

Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray

HARRIS

The Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray is the best-value pick for DIYers, combining a lightweight, low-cost disposable design with effective ridges for even paint distribution; it is noticeably cheaper than premium brands while remaining compatible with standard mini rollers. Against the list, Harris trades the longevity of Wooster and Purdy for affordability and easy replacements, making it economical for short-term or single-job use.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Ridged for rollers

  • Pocket-priced smile

  • Ridged for rollers

  • Pocket-priced smile

Review Summary

85%

"Buyers find the Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray lightweight, affordable and easy to clean with good paint pickup for small jobs; a few users mention it is less rigid than metal trays but perfectly adequate for DIY and frequent use."

  • Featherlight carry

  • Lightweight, low-cost plastic tray ideal for quick touch-ups and one-off jobs.

  • Featherlight carry

  • Lightweight, low-cost plastic tray ideal for quick touch-ups and one-off jobs.

Time-Saving Convenience

Optimized Work Efficiency

The Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray is the best-value pick for DIYers, combining a lightweight, low-cost disposable design with effective ridges for even paint distribution; it is noticeably cheaper than premium brands while remaining compatible with standard mini rollers. Against the list, Harris trades the longevity of Wooster and Purdy for affordability and easy replacements, making it economical for short-term or single-job use.

  • Ridged for rollers

  • Pocket-priced smile

  • Featherlight carry

  • Lightweight, low-cost plastic tray ideal for quick touch-ups and one-off jobs.

  • Textured ramp helps load mini rollers evenly and reduce runs.

  • Ridged for rollers

  • Pocket-priced smile

  • Featherlight carry

  • Lightweight, low-cost plastic tray ideal for quick touch-ups and one-off jobs.

  • Textured ramp helps load mini rollers evenly and reduce runs.

Order Now
From 11.95$
3
BEST FOR SMALL TOUCH-UPS

Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch

Bennett

The Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch stands out for its ultra-compact footprint tailored to 4-inch rollers and tight spaces, offering one of the lowest price-per-unit choices and ideal performance for touch-ups or detailed work. Compared with trays like Wooster and Purdy it sacrifices capacity and some durability but delivers the best option when portability, minimal paint waste, and upfront cost are the priorities.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Slim-space saver

  • Grip lip convenience

  • Slim-space saver

  • Grip lip convenience

Review Summary

82%

"Owners say the Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch is compact and convenient for touch-ups, though reviewers note it can flex and shows wear faster than premium options; overall regarded as a solid budget choice for repeated small jobs."

  • No-drip edge

  • Small 4-inch format designed specifically for tight spaces and trim work.

  • No-drip edge

  • Small 4-inch format designed specifically for tight spaces and trim work.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Time-Saving Convenience

The Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch stands out for its ultra-compact footprint tailored to 4-inch rollers and tight spaces, offering one of the lowest price-per-unit choices and ideal performance for touch-ups or detailed work. Compared with trays like Wooster and Purdy it sacrifices capacity and some durability but delivers the best option when portability, minimal paint waste, and upfront cost are the priorities.

  • Slim-space saver

  • Grip lip convenience

  • No-drip edge

  • Small 4-inch format designed specifically for tight spaces and trim work.

  • Simple, shallow well that minimizes paint waste for minor repairs.

  • Slim-space saver

  • Grip lip convenience

  • No-drip edge

  • Small 4-inch format designed specifically for tight spaces and trim work.

  • Simple, shallow well that minimizes paint waste for minor repairs.

Order Now

$4-9 CAD

4
BEST PROFESSIONAL QUALITY

Purdy Mini Roller Tray

Purdy

The Purdy Mini Roller Tray is the market leader for finish-focused professionals thanks to refined tray geometry, premium materials, and seamless compatibility with Purdy rollers for a smoother paint laydown; its higher upfront price is offset by superior finish quality and long service life. Relative to the other mini trays, Purdy offers the best technical performance for high-quality work while remaining more cost-effective over time than cheap disposables.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • Pro-finish promise

  • Corrosion-proof sheen

  • Pro-finish promise

  • Corrosion-proof sheen

Review Summary

92%

"Professionals consistently rate the Purdy Mini Roller Tray highly for its robust build, non-slip base and excellent paint distribution, reporting it holds up very well after heavy and repeated use; many see it as a small premium investment that lasts."

  • Comfort-handle hug

  • Premium construction with reinforced edges for longevity on job sites.

  • Comfort-handle hug

  • Premium construction with reinforced edges for longevity on job sites.

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Optimized Work Efficiency

Time-Saving Convenience

The Purdy Mini Roller Tray is the market leader for finish-focused professionals thanks to refined tray geometry, premium materials, and seamless compatibility with Purdy rollers for a smoother paint laydown; its higher upfront price is offset by superior finish quality and long service life. Relative to the other mini trays, Purdy offers the best technical performance for high-quality work while remaining more cost-effective over time than cheap disposables.

  • Pro-finish promise

  • Corrosion-proof sheen

  • Comfort-handle hug

  • Premium construction with reinforced edges for longevity on job sites.

  • Contoured ramp and well geometry engineered for smooth, consistent roller coverage.

  • Pro-finish promise

  • Corrosion-proof sheen

  • Comfort-handle hug

  • Premium construction with reinforced edges for longevity on job sites.

  • Contoured ramp and well geometry engineered for smooth, consistent roller coverage.

Order Now
-16%25.20$
Suggested Price 29.91$
5
BEST COMPLETE SET

Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set

Richard Tools

The Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set offers best-in-class value for tradespeople who want a ready kit, bundling a compact tray with liners, a mini roller frame, and useful accessories to reduce repeat purchases. It sits between budget single-piece trays and premium standalone trays by providing immediate job-ready value—cheaper than buying premium components separately but with slightly less durability than top-tier branded trays.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Complete mini kit

  • Stack-and-store

  • Complete mini kit

  • Stack-and-store

Review Summary

84%

"Customers report the Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set offers good value with practical accessories and a sturdy tray that stands up to regular home project use; some experienced users prefer heavier commercial trays, but most say it performs reliably over time."

  • Grid-ready fun

  • Sold as a set including tray, mini roller frame, and often a cover or liners for convenience.

  • Grid-ready fun

  • Sold as a set including tray, mini roller frame, and often a cover or liners for convenience.

Time-Saving Convenience

Optimized Work Efficiency

Eco-Friendly Living

The Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set offers best-in-class value for tradespeople who want a ready kit, bundling a compact tray with liners, a mini roller frame, and useful accessories to reduce repeat purchases. It sits between budget single-piece trays and premium standalone trays by providing immediate job-ready value—cheaper than buying premium components separately but with slightly less durability than top-tier branded trays.

  • Complete mini kit

  • Stack-and-store

  • Grid-ready fun

  • Sold as a set including tray, mini roller frame, and often a cover or liners for convenience.

  • All-in-one solution reduces time spent sourcing matching components for small jobs.

  • Complete mini kit

  • Stack-and-store

  • Grid-ready fun

  • Sold as a set including tray, mini roller frame, and often a cover or liners for convenience.

  • All-in-one solution reduces time spent sourcing matching components for small jobs.

Order Now

$15-30 CAD

What Research and Testing Say About Mini Tray Benefits

While few peer-reviewed studies focus specifically on mini paint trays, a body of industry lab testing and ergonomics research supports the benefits mini trays offer for small-scale painting. Independent product testing and ergonomics research provide evidence that appropriately sized paint reservoirs and tray surfaces reduce paint waste, improve application control with small rollers, and lower user fatigue during repetitive touch-up tasks. Material science testing also shows that tray surface textures and slope angles affect paint pick-up and roller saturation, which can influence finish uniformity.

Reduced paint waste and spills: Controlled reservoir volume and smaller surface area limit overloading compared with full-size trays, a conclusion supported by independent consumer lab tests.

Improved precision and finish: Studies on application ergonomics indicate that smaller tools increase control for detailed work, helping achieve more uniform coverage in trim and tight spaces.

Lower fatigue and better ergonomics: Repeated short-duration tasks performed with compact tools produce less wrist and shoulder strain than awkward positioning with large trays, according to occupational ergonomics research.

Faster cleanup and lower solvent use: Mini trays require less paint cleanup and may reduce the need for solvent use, which is beneficial for indoor projects and aligns with greener cleaning practices.

Surface texture and slope matter: Material and texture testing shows that tray rib patterns and slope angles help meter paint onto micro rollers, improving transfer efficiency and reducing dripping.

In the Canadian context, mini trays are a practical must-have for quick touch-ups and detailed painting whether you're a condo dweller, a rental property manager, or a finishing carpenter. The five mini trays reviewed here — Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray, Harris Seriously Good Mini Roller Tray, Bennett Mini Paint Tray 4 inch, Purdy Mini Roller Tray, and Richard Tools Mini Paint Tray Set — each serve specific needs: portability, disposable convenience, economy, premium build, and kit completeness. For an all-around pick that balances durability, roller compatibility, and ease of cleaning for both DIYers and pros, the Wooster Jumbo-Koter Mini Tray stands out as the best overall choice among this group. We hope you found what you were looking for; if you want to refine or expand your search, try adjusting filters or using the site search to compare sizes, materials, or price ranges.

Copyright © 2025 InceptionAi Inc.

Trademark Policy

Articles

About Us

Contact Us

Careers

Sitemap