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Top 5 Paint Trays in Canada for 2025: Editor-Tested Picks to Save Time, Cut Waste, and Paint with Confidence

Published on Sunday, August 24, 2025

Paint trays are essential tools for holding paint while you work. They allow easy access to paint and smooth roller loading, reducing drips and keeping projects moving. In Canada, consumer preferences lean toward trays that perform reliably in a range of conditions—from humid summer jobs to cold, dry garages—so durability, easy cleaning, and compatibility with liners or buckets are top priorities. Homeowners and professionals alike look for trays that reduce waste, speed up application, and minimize cleanup time: lightweight plastic trays for convenience, rugged metal trays for longevity, and innovative bucket-tray hybrids that deliver both capacity and portability. Whether you are doing touch-ups, full-room repaints, or exterior staining, the right tray affects efficiency, finish quality, and overall project cost.

Quick Menu

1. Best Bucket-Compatible

2. Best Budget Tray

3. Best Ergonomic Professional

4. Best Deep-Well Capacity

5. Best Heavy-Duty Metal

1
BEST BUCKET-COMPATIBLE

Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray

Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray

The Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray earns a top spot for innovation and job-site efficiency by converting a standard 5-gallon bucket into a stable, splash-resistant paint tray — ideal for contractors who value portability and low material waste. Compared with the other trays on this list it delivers a superior cost-per-job advantage (fewer disposable trays) and better compatibility with large-volume painting, though it trades off the premium finish materials and rigidity found in some metal or high-end molded trays.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Bucket-mounted genius

  • Leak-proof seal

  • Bucket-mounted genius

  • Leak-proof seal

Review Summary

91%

"Users praise the Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray for its sturdy construction, secure fit on 5-gallon buckets and time-saving convenience; a few note occasional drips and that it costs more than generic trays."

  • Roller-ready ribs

  • Designed to sit on standard 5-gallon buckets for easy rolling and access.

  • Roller-ready ribs

  • Designed to sit on standard 5-gallon buckets for easy rolling and access.

Time-Saving Convenience

Optimized Work Efficiency

The Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray earns a top spot for innovation and job-site efficiency by converting a standard 5-gallon bucket into a stable, splash-resistant paint tray — ideal for contractors who value portability and low material waste. Compared with the other trays on this list it delivers a superior cost-per-job advantage (fewer disposable trays) and better compatibility with large-volume painting, though it trades off the premium finish materials and rigidity found in some metal or high-end molded trays.

  • Bucket-mounted genius

  • Leak-proof seal

  • Roller-ready ribs

  • Designed to sit on standard 5-gallon buckets for easy rolling and access.

  • Rigid, impact-resistant plastic construction that snaps on and off for transport.

  • Bucket-mounted genius

  • Leak-proof seal

  • Roller-ready ribs

  • Designed to sit on standard 5-gallon buckets for easy rolling and access.

  • Rigid, impact-resistant plastic construction that snaps on and off for transport.

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$20-35 CAD

2
BEST BUDGET TRAY

RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray

RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray

The RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray is positioned as a versatile, mid-range option that balances affordability with useful features like a deeper well and a textured rolling area to reduce splash and improve paint pickup. Against the Wooster bucket system it is more of a traditional tray solution that requires less setup, and compared with premium trays it offers a lower upfront cost while still providing better durability than the most basic disposable models.

4
★★★★☆

  • Splash-guard charm

  • Ergo-grip handle

  • Splash-guard charm

  • Ergo-grip handle

Review Summary

76%

"Buyers find the RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray functional and affordable with good roller loading, though several report flimsy plastic, warping with heavy use, and more paint pooling versus premium trays."

  • Wide-pour spout

  • Lightweight polypropylene body that is affordable and easy to clean.

  • Wide-pour spout

  • Lightweight polypropylene body that is affordable and easy to clean.

Time-Saving Convenience

Optimized Work Efficiency

The RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray is positioned as a versatile, mid-range option that balances affordability with useful features like a deeper well and a textured rolling area to reduce splash and improve paint pickup. Against the Wooster bucket system it is more of a traditional tray solution that requires less setup, and compared with premium trays it offers a lower upfront cost while still providing better durability than the most basic disposable models.

  • Splash-guard charm

  • Ergo-grip handle

  • Wide-pour spout

  • Lightweight polypropylene body that is affordable and easy to clean.

  • Textured rolling surface for consistent paint distribution on rollers.

  • Splash-guard charm

  • Ergo-grip handle

  • Wide-pour spout

  • Lightweight polypropylene body that is affordable and easy to clean.

  • Textured rolling surface for consistent paint distribution on rollers.

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$15-25 CAD

3
BEST ERGONOMIC PROFESSIONAL

Purdy Revolution Paint Tray

Purdy Revolution Paint Tray

The Purdy Revolution Paint Tray represents the premium, professional choice on this list thanks to its robust construction and refined ergonomic details that extend tool life and reduce reorders over time. Technically superior in materials and finish-resistance compared with the RICHARD and basic plastic trays, it demands a higher initial investment but yields lower lifecycle cost for pros who need durability and consistent performance.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Pro-grade slope

  • Grid-friendly magic

  • Pro-grade slope

  • Grid-friendly magic

Review Summary

93%

"Reviewers say the Purdy Revolution is a well-designed, durable premium tray that loads rollers evenly and cleans up easily; frequent users generally consider it worth the higher price."

  • Stain-resistant shell

  • Reinforced, high-strength construction built for frequent professional use.

  • Stain-resistant shell

  • Reinforced, high-strength construction built for frequent professional use.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Skill Development & Mastery

The Purdy Revolution Paint Tray represents the premium, professional choice on this list thanks to its robust construction and refined ergonomic details that extend tool life and reduce reorders over time. Technically superior in materials and finish-resistance compared with the RICHARD and basic plastic trays, it demands a higher initial investment but yields lower lifecycle cost for pros who need durability and consistent performance.

  • Pro-grade slope

  • Grid-friendly magic

  • Stain-resistant shell

  • Reinforced, high-strength construction built for frequent professional use.

  • Ergonomic handle and well‑designed pour spout to reduce drips and fatigue.

  • Pro-grade slope

  • Grid-friendly magic

  • Stain-resistant shell

  • Reinforced, high-strength construction built for frequent professional use.

  • Ergonomic handle and well‑designed pour spout to reduce drips and fatigue.

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$30-50 CAD

4
BEST DEEP-WELL CAPACITY

Bennett Professional Paint Tray

Bennett Professional Paint Tray

The Bennett Professional Paint Tray is tailored for heavy-duty, commercial use with reinforced edges and a roomy design that speeds multi-coat jobs and reduces refills on large sites. It strikes a middle ground between the innovative bucket conversion of the Wooster Sherlock and the premium material quality of the Purdy, delivering professional-grade durability at a more accessible price point than some branded premium trays.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Steel-body tough

  • Quick-clean finish

  • Steel-body tough

  • Quick-clean finish

Review Summary

82%

"Professionals appreciate the Bennett Professional Paint Tray for its solid construction and deep well that reduces spills, but some note it can be heavier and the finish may chip after heavy use."

  • Anti-slip feet

  • Deeper well holds more paint to reduce trips for refills on larger jobs.

  • Anti-slip feet

  • Deeper well holds more paint to reduce trips for refills on larger jobs.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Increased Safety & Security

The Bennett Professional Paint Tray is tailored for heavy-duty, commercial use with reinforced edges and a roomy design that speeds multi-coat jobs and reduces refills on large sites. It strikes a middle ground between the innovative bucket conversion of the Wooster Sherlock and the premium material quality of the Purdy, delivering professional-grade durability at a more accessible price point than some branded premium trays.

  • Steel-body tough

  • Quick-clean finish

  • Anti-slip feet

  • Deeper well holds more paint to reduce trips for refills on larger jobs.

  • Durable molded construction that resists warping under heavy use.

  • Steel-body tough

  • Quick-clean finish

  • Anti-slip feet

  • Deeper well holds more paint to reduce trips for refills on larger jobs.

  • Durable molded construction that resists warping under heavy use.

Order Now

$18-30 CAD

5
BEST HEAVY-DUTY METAL

Premier Metal Paint Tray

Premier

The Premier Metal Paint Tray stands out for its longevity and solvent resistance, making it the best choice for contractors who use solvent-based coatings or want a tray that can be cleaned and reused for years. Compared with plastic and bucket-conversion options it offers superior rigidity and heat/chemical tolerance, which can translate into better long-term value for teams that prioritize durability over the lowest initial purchase price.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • All-metal muscle

  • Deep-capacity roar

  • All-metal muscle

  • Deep-capacity roar

Review Summary

86%

"The Premier Metal Paint Tray is praised for heavy-duty durability and stable roller support, but buyers warn it can rust if not cleaned promptly and is noticeably heavier than plastic alternatives."

  • Rust-resistant wink

  • Stamped metal body with corrosion-resistant coating for long service life.

  • Rust-resistant wink

  • Stamped metal body with corrosion-resistant coating for long service life.

Eco-Friendly Living

Optimized Work Efficiency

Increased Safety & Security

The Premier Metal Paint Tray stands out for its longevity and solvent resistance, making it the best choice for contractors who use solvent-based coatings or want a tray that can be cleaned and reused for years. Compared with plastic and bucket-conversion options it offers superior rigidity and heat/chemical tolerance, which can translate into better long-term value for teams that prioritize durability over the lowest initial purchase price.

  • All-metal muscle

  • Deep-capacity roar

  • Rust-resistant wink

  • Stamped metal body with corrosion-resistant coating for long service life.

  • Rigid slope and wide rolling area ensure even paint pickup and distribution.

  • All-metal muscle

  • Deep-capacity roar

  • Rust-resistant wink

  • Stamped metal body with corrosion-resistant coating for long service life.

  • Rigid slope and wide rolling area ensure even paint pickup and distribution.

Order Now
From 30.63$

Why a Quality Paint Tray Improves Results and Reduces Waste

Multiple lines of practical research and industry testing underscore the benefits of choosing the right paint tray. Ergonomic design and appropriate tray depth can reduce wrist and shoulder strain during repetitive rolling tasks. Material science testing shows that durable plastics and treated metals resist solvent breakdown and hold up to repeated cleanings, extending tool life. Time-and-motion evaluations used in professional painting settings demonstrate that trays designed for easy loading and fast roller coverage shorten project time and reduce paint waste. Environmental assessments also note that reducing wasted paint lowers disposal needs and VOC emissions associated with cleanup.

Ergonomics: Trays with proper depth and lip design reduce awkward wrist angles and repetitive strain during long jobs.

Material resistance: High-density polypropylene and coated steel resist common paint solvents and cracking, extending tray life.

Efficiency: Trays and bucket-tray systems that optimize roller loading can reduce the number of refills and total paint waste.

Clean-up and environmental impact: Trays that accept disposable liners or that clean easily reduce water use and solvent disposal.

Professional testing: Field tests by trade professionals consistently prefer trays that balance capacity with ease of handling for multi-hour jobs.

In the Canadian context, the right paint tray blends weather-resistant materials, easy cleanup, and a shape that fits your workflow. The five trays featured here—Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray, RICHARD Deluxe Paint Tray, Purdy Revolution Paint Tray, Bennett Professional Paint Tray, and Premier Metal Paint Tray—cover common needs from quick DIY touch-ups to extended professional use. For most homeowners and pros seeking a practical balance of capacity, portability, and durability, the Wooster Sherlock Bucket Tray is the most versatile choice on this page, while the Premier Metal Paint Tray and Purdy Revolution are strong options for heavy use and finish quality respectively. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to filter by material, liner compatibility, price, or intended use.

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