Best Paint Tray Under £100
Finding a durable, well-designed paint tray under £100 is key to a smooth decorating project. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to bring you the top options that offer the best value for money.
Quick answer
The Wooster Brush Sherlock is the best overall paint tray under £100, offering a robust, non-slip design and a massive 4.5L capacity. For budget-conscious decorators, the Harris Ultimate 2.4L Tray provides excellent value with its innovative angled base and easy-clean plastic.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (capacity, material, grip)
- Durability & design compared
- Aggregated owner reviews from major retailers
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability in painting tools
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Wooster Brush Sherlock
Rock-solid build with a massive capacity and secure grip.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wooster Sherlock | Overall / Large Jobs | 4.5L Capacity | 4.7/5 | Check |
| Harris Ultimate 2.4L | Budget / Mid-Size Jobs | Angled Base | 4.5/5 | Check |
| Purdy XL Cub | Professional Finish | Stackable Design | 4.6/5 | Check |
| Hamilton Perfection | Roller Efficiency | Deep Well Design | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Wagner Universal | Sprayer System | Lined Bucket | 4.3/5 | Check |
What to Check Before Buying a Paint Tray
Choosing the right paint tray can save you time and mess. The first consideration is capacity: a 2.5L tray is fine for a single room, while a 4.5L tray like the Wooster Sherlock is better for large walls or multiple coats. Material is also crucial; reinforced plastic trays resist warping and cracking, whereas cheap trays can flex and spill. Look for a tray with a non-slip base or rubber grips to prevent sliding on ladders or floors. The well design matters too -- a deep well holds more paint and reduces refill frequency. Finally, consider cleaning ease; trays with smooth surfaces and pour spouts are much easier to rinse out.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Paint Tray
A common mistake is buying a tray that is too small, leading to constant refills and uneven roller loading. Another error is ignoring the grip; a tray without a non-slip base can slide off a step ladder, causing a major spill. Avoid trays with sharp internal corners, as they are difficult to clean and can leave paint residue that dries and flakes into your next job. Finally, do not assume all plastic trays are equal; cheap, thin trays can crack under the weight of paint or when dropped, so investing in a reinforced model is wise.
Best Paint Tray Under £100: Our Top 5 Picks
Wooster Brush Sherlock
Best OverallPros
- Very large capacity reduces refills
- Excellent non-slip grip on ladders
- Durable, warp-resistant construction
Cons
- Large size can be bulky to store
- Pour spout could be wider
The Wooster Brush Sherlock is a heavy-duty tray built for serious work. Its 4.5-litre capacity is the largest in this roundup, making it ideal for painting entire rooms or using with thick masonry paints. The reinforced polypropylene construction resists cracking and warping, even when left with paint in it for short periods.
Owner reviews consistently praise the rubber non-slip base, which keeps the tray firmly in place on ladders and scaffolding. The smooth interior and integrated pour spout make cleaning straightforward, though some users note the spout could be wider for faster pouring. Overall, it is a premium tray that justifies its price through durability and practicality.
Harris Ultimate 2.4L Paint Tray
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price point
- Angled base for efficient roller loading
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Not as durable as reinforced trays
- Smaller capacity for large jobs
The Harris Ultimate 2.4L tray is a smart choice for DIYers on a budget. Its key feature is the angled base, which creates a deeper well at one end, allowing you to load a roller more evenly without tipping the tray. This design reduces splatter and improves paint pickup.
Owner feedback highlights its value for money and ease of cleaning. The textured base provides decent grip on most surfaces, though it is not as secure as the rubber base on the Wooster. It is best suited for smaller rooms or touch-up work where a huge capacity is not needed.
Purdy XL Cub Paint Tray
Best for ProfessionalsPros
- Stackable design saves storage space
- Durable high-impact plastic
- Smooth interior for easy cleaning
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than basic trays
- Non-slip feet can wear over time
The Purdy XL Cub is designed with the professional decorator in mind. Its square, stackable shape allows multiple trays to be stored neatly without taking up much space. The high-impact plastic is tough and resists cracking, even when used with heavy-duty paints.
Reviews from tradespeople commend its stability and the smooth interior that makes cleaning fast. The non-slip feet provide good grip on smooth floors and ladders. While it costs a bit more than basic models, the build quality and stackable design make it a worthwhile investment for regular users.
Hamilton Perfection Paint Tray
Best for Roller EfficiencyPros
- Deep well design for better paint pickup
- Reinforced ribs prevent warping
- Good balance of size and portability
Cons
- Ribbed base can be less stable on ladders
- Not as large as the Wooster Sherlock
The Hamilton Perfection tray is designed to maximise roller efficiency. Its deep well holds a generous amount of paint, allowing you to load a roller fully without needing to tilt the tray. The reinforced plastic ribs add structural strength, preventing the tray from flexing under load.
Owner reviews highlight its practical size for most decorating tasks. The ribbed base offers decent grip on flat surfaces, though it is not as secure as rubber feet on ladders. It is a solid middle-ground option that balances capacity with a manageable footprint.
Wagner Universal Paint Tray
Best for Sprayer SystemsPros
- Disposable liners make cleaning effortless
- Clip-on lid prevents spills
- Works well with Wagner sprayers
Cons
- Small capacity limits use for large walls
- Liners add ongoing cost
The Wagner Universal tray is designed primarily for use with Wagner paint sprayers, but it also works as a standard tray. Its standout feature is the disposable liner system, which allows you to simply throw away the liner after use, eliminating the need for cleaning. The clip-on lid helps keep paint fresh and prevents spills during storage.
Owner feedback notes that the small 1.5L capacity is best for touch-ups or small projects. The liners are effective but represent an ongoing expense. For those who hate cleaning trays, this is a convenient solution that saves time and effort.
FAQs
What is the best paint tray under £100?
The Wooster Brush Sherlock is the best overall, offering a 4.5L capacity and a non-slip rubber base for stable use on ladders.
Are expensive paint trays worth the money?
Yes, they typically use reinforced plastic that resists warping and cracking, and often include features like non-slip bases and pour spouts for easier use and cleaning.
What size paint tray do I need for a large room?
A tray with a capacity of 3.5L or more, like the Wooster Sherlock or Purdy XL Cub, is recommended for large rooms to reduce the number of refills needed.
Can I use a paint tray with a paint sprayer?
Yes, the Wagner Universal tray is specifically designed for use with paint sprayers, but any tray with a smooth interior can be used to hold paint for a sprayer.
How do I clean a paint tray properly?
Scrape excess paint back into the can, then rinse the tray with warm, soapy water. Trays with smooth interiors and pour spouts are much easier to clean.
Are disposable paint tray liners worth it?
They are convenient for quick clean-up, especially with oil-based paints, but they add ongoing cost and are less eco-friendly than washing a reusable tray.
What is the most durable paint tray material?
Reinforced polypropylene or high-impact plastic are the most durable materials, resisting cracking and warping better than standard plastic trays.
Do paint trays fit all roller sizes?
Most standard trays fit 9-inch and 12-inch rollers, but always check the tray's well width to ensure it accommodates your roller frame.
Can I stack paint trays for storage?
The Purdy XL Cub is specifically designed to be stackable, but many standard trays can be stacked carefully if they have flat bases.
Is a deep well paint tray better?
A deep well tray allows you to load a roller more fully without tilting the tray, which can improve painting speed and reduce splatter.
What is the best budget paint tray?
The Harris Ultimate 2.4L tray offers excellent value with its angled base design, making it a great choice for DIYers on a budget.
How do I stop my paint tray from sliding on a ladder?
Choose a tray with a non-slip rubber base, like the Wooster Sherlock, or use a tray with non-slip feet to provide better grip on ladder platforms.
Our verdict
For most decorators, the Wooster Brush Sherlock is the best paint tray under £100, thanks to its massive capacity, robust build, and secure non-slip grip. If you are on a tighter budget, the Harris Ultimate 2.4L tray is a fantastic alternative that still offers a clever angled base for efficient painting. Both options deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank.