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Two Engineers Improve the UX of the Paint Tray
The Smart Tray, a "Why didn't I think of that" invention
At the end of a painting job, we've all done this, which takes forever:
Engineers John Archard and Charles Cooper became frustrated with that task. They then invented the SmartTray, which has an odd protuberance on one side:
This allows you to mount the tray right onto the can, and go do something else while it drains.
Additionally, when you start the job, you can also set the can up to drain into the tray, and start rolling right away.
Archard and Cooper patented the design through their company, Tovarna. The invention was then snapped up by a manufacturer called Vinyl Trends, but at press time it hadn't yet appeared on their website. With any luck it's on its way to production.
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Comments
Son of a house painter here.
I applaud the design but you can get the excess paint from the tray back into the can with a paint brush, it takes seconds. Same for getting the last of the paint out of the can and into the tray - use a paint brush like a spatula. The videos are intentionally leaving this time-tested method out.
I can't help but see a piece of plastic trying to replace a perfectly good metal product.
And there's absolutely no need for those single use plastic liners. Just let the remaining paint dry in the tray. It acts as barrier to rust. When it gets too thick, scrape it off the tray (my father would make me do this as a kid).